Maple Grove— The Fourth Judicial District recognized Kristy Janigo with the Steven A. Pihlaja Award on June 9 in the treatment courtroom, with a reception and remarks from Chief Judge Kerry W. Meyer and Judge Sarah S. West.
“Kristy is the very definition of a public servant — her passion, dedication, and tireless efforts change lives every single day, one veteran at a time. Her commitment is not just professional; it is deeply personal, and it shines through in everything she does,” said Treatment Court Coordinator Grace Spearman.
The district’s executive committee chooses a justice partner who serves the community or advances the cause of justice and/or the vision of the court each year to receive the award. Selections are made for people who exemplify the highest level of judicial excellence, integrity, fairness, and professional ethics. The award provides an opportunity for the Fourth Judicial District to recognize justice partners who contribute to the progress, innovation, and efficiency of Hennepin County District Court.
“I have seen first-hand the amazing work that Kristy does on behalf of the veterans court participants,” said Judge Sarah West. “Throughout all of her work on benefits with our participants, she has provided guidance, support, and advocacy that has allowed our participants to not only feel seen and heard, but has given them the strength to work through the often scary and traumatic experience of being evaluated for service connection. Kristy is truly a gift to the people in Veteran’s Court.”
Janigo also reflected on the difficult but rewarding work assisting participants of the Veterans Treatment Court with mental health and substance use issues, housing instability, and food insecurity to secure veteran benefits from the federal and state government and nonprofits.
“Thank you so much for this honor … I have been so blessed to have played a role in the success of our veterans (in court). To know that the successful granting of federal and state veteran benefits gave them a little something to spend on themselves and their family versus having to always go without,” said Janigo. “I know that in the context of the need, what I have done is small. It is not enough. It takes a village. It takes all of us. Let’s keep pressing forward.”
Janigo is a third-generation Army veteran who served post-9/11 in the ND National Guard. Her uncle was a SD Army National Guardsman, and her grandfather served in the Army in Okinawa in WWII. Janigo is also a Maple Grove City Councilmember. She concluded her year as the 10th District American Legion Commander earlier this month.
