Judge Dave Larson of Federal Way Municipal Court was awarded the prestigious Judge William Nevin Award by former Chief Justice Gerry Alexander of the Washington Judge’s Foundation at the fall conference in Spokane. Current Chief Justice Barbara Madsen nominated him for the award.

The award is given by the Washington Judge’s Foundation to judges with a long-term commitment to youth education and public understanding of the law and the role of the judiciary in American society.

Larson was cited for his work as “a pioneer in his community regarding youth education and promoting public understanding of the courts.”

The award noted Larson’s involvement with teaching civics at Todd Beamer High School, the formation of the South King County YMCA High School Mock Trial District Competition, his involvement with Street Law at Todd Beamer and bringing the Dispute Resolution Center of King County to Federal Way.

Alexander noted that Larson’s community involvement is significant. His volunteer activities include serving as president of the Kiwanis Club of Federal Way, founding board member of the Kiwanis Foundation of Federal Way, founder of the Aktion Club of Federal Way (a service club for adults with disabilities), a member of the board of Advancing Leadership and chair of the Pastoral Council at St. Vincent de Paul Parish.

He also spearheaded a partnership with the Federal Way Arts Commission for an annual art contest for all grade levels in Federal Way Schools. The theme of the art contest is “Liberty and Justice for All.” The winning art is displayed in the courthouse on an ongoing basis.

Larson is a member of the executive board for the Council on Public Legal Education, and also serves on the Legislative Committee, Long-Range Planning Committee, Technology Committee, and other work groups of the District and Municipal Court Judge’s Association.