Jon Stewart, 'Law and Order' Stars Preach Civic Duty to Harlem Students Updated November 19, 2009 7:26pm

Actor Chris Noth, once a Manhattan juror, at Thursday's Juror Appreciation Day. (Shayna Jacobs/DNAinfo) ()

By Shayna Jacobs

DNAinfo Reporter/Producer

MANHATTAN SUPREME COURT — A sophomore class from Harlem's Coalition School for Change was treated to a star-studded field trip to Manhattan Supreme Court as part of Juror Appreciation Day on Thursday.

Manhattan celebrities Jon Stewart, Chris Noth and Vincent D'Onofrio shared jury duty stories with an audience still two to three years away from juror eligibility at the annual Juror Appreciation Day event.

"I was on a jury before I became famous, and at the time I needed the 10 bucks," Stewart said.

Stewart, who was sporting a gray hoodie and khakis, said it's better to serve than to ignore summonses.

"They won't let up. They'll keep calling you," Stewart said. "And it's illegal, right?"

Stewart couldn't help but sprinkle in a few jokes with his advice for the young audience.

Comedian Jon Stewart warms up for with a "Rocky" routine before speaking to Harlem students at Juror Appreciation Day. (Shayna Jacobs/DNAinfo) ()

"You can get out of jury duty if you work hard and get your own show," "The Daily Show" host added.

The discussion wasn't all laughs and giggles. The celebrities talked to the students about the importance of overcoming the negative peer pressure they face everyday.

D'Onofrio shared a personal story with the high schoolers about his delinquent youth.

"I was stealing cars when I was 11-years-old," D'Onofrio said. "A fireman straightened me out and I never looked back."

Stewart was a big hit with the 15 and 16-year-olds from Harlem, but it was "Law and Order" stars Noth and D'Onofrio who received the loudest cheers from the young crowd.

East Harlem's Coalition School for Social Change students: Kameicia Hill, 16, of Harlem, with Ashley Ramos,16 and Timesha Neal, of the Bronx. (Shayna Jacobs/DNAinfo) ()

Ashley Ramos, 16, said she knew beforehand that jury duty was important, but the celebrities and speakers taught her more about it.

Also in attendance were news anchor Diane Sawyer, New York Mets slugger David Wright, designer Donna Karen, CNN's Soledad O'Brien and author Judith Collins.

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