5/8/2026

Widener University Delaware Law School recently marked its annual student awards ceremony, recognizing students for outstanding scholarship, service, and leadership.
 
The ceremony featured two of Delaware Law’s highest distinctions. The President’s Award is presented each year to a second year regular division or third year extended division student who demonstrates high scholastic achievement and strong potential for meaningful future contributions to the law school, the community, and the profession.
 
Riley Scholl, a second-year regular division student, received the 2026 President’s Award in recognition of her exceptional academic performance and emerging leadership at Delaware Law School. Ranking first in her day division class of 183 students with a 3.876 GPA, she has earned certificates of achievement in five courses and has been named to the dean’s list every semester. Scholl is the incoming editor-in-chief of Widener Law Review and will have her student note published in an upcoming issue. She has been selected as a Josiah Oliver Wolcott fellow for 2026–2027, clerking for Delaware Supreme Court Justice Abigail LeGrow, and currently serves as a judicial extern in Delaware Family Court, where she is developing a practitioner guidebook.

A first-generation college and law student, Scholl has also contributed to the law school community as a teaching assistant, research assistant, academic success fellow, and Honor Council member. She previously clerked at the Delaware Department of Justice and aspires to return as a deputy attorney general to continue serving children and families.
 
The Dean’s Award is given annually to a graduating student who has shown exceptional legal aptitude, exemplary service, significant leadership, and the promise of becoming an outstanding member of the legal community.
 
James J. Hartnett, III, a third year regular division student, was honored with the 2026 Dean’s Award for his outstanding academic record, leadership, and service to the Delaware Law School community. Graduating summa cum laude with a 3.908 GPA, Hartnett has earned multiple certificates of achievement and has been named to the dean’s lList every semester. As editor-in-chief of Widener Law Review, he led the publication of volume 32, and he has also been active in the Transactional Law Honor Society.

Hartnett spent the academic year as a Josiah Oliver Wolcott Fellow in the chambers of Delaware Supreme Court Justice Abigail LeGrow, conducting research and analysis on complex appellate matters. Before law school, he completed a 24 year career with the Pennsauken Township Police Department, retiring as captain after holding key leadership roles. He has received numerous professional honors and scholarships and will begin his legal career at Potter Anderson & Corroon following graduation.
 
A wide range of student accomplishments were also highlighted at the event, celebrating academic excellence, professional promise, and the many ways Delaware Law students contribute to the campus and broader legal community. 

Download the full list of 2026 recipients (pdf).