Montgomery, Alabama, April 17, 2012 – As the nation prepares to celebrate Law Day, May 1st a national day set aside to celebrate the rule of law, the Alabama State Bar has announced the winners of this year’s Law Day competition for both primary and secondary school students.
State Bar President James R. Pratt, III, Birmingham (Hare Wynn Newell & Newton LLP) said, “We received 438 entries from students throughout the state that explored the historical and contemporary role of the courts. Through essays, designing social media content or through art displays, the students gave voice to this year’s national Law Day theme, “No Courts, No Justice, No Freedom.”
For the first time since the competition began, three schools swept 1st,2nd and 3rd place in the Posters (K-3), Twitter and Facebook categories. Respectively, they are Advent Episcopal School, Birmingham; Central High School, Phenix City and Brewbaker Technology Magnet School, Montgomery.
Pratt noted that severe budget cuts faced by the court system ultimately touches every person, every business and every community in Alabama. “I cannot think of a more relevant theme given today’s climate. “It certainly gives us an opportunity to give special recognition to our courts, and understand their position as keepers of justice and the rights of the American people.”
In the past, the competition was limited to using posters and essays to creatively interpret the theme. However, the competition now includes categories focusing on the use of social media. Students were encouraged to design a theoretical Facebook page illustrating the role of the courts as the third branch of government or “Tweet” about the historical role the courts have played in society.
This year’s participants had to make the connection between the rule of law, the need for an independent judicial system, and how all of these fundamental American principles affect our citizens’ daily lives. “In my opinion, this is an excellent way for these students to learn about the importance of being engaged citizens and why our courts are so important, he said.”
Winners will be recognized Tuesday, May 1st at a special ceremony to be held at 10:30 a.m. at the Alabama Supreme Court. Following the presentation of awards by Alabama Supreme Court Chief Justice Chuck Malone, students and their guests will be treated to a special luncheon at the State Bar Center.
The poster and essay contests are divided into two categories – grades K-6 for posters; grades 7-12 for essays. Winners in the essay and social media categories receive U.S. Savings Bonds in the amounts of $200, $150 and $100 respectively; winners in the poster contest receive bonds in the amounts of $125, $100 and $75.
All winners receive engraved gold medals and award certificates. Schools of all winners receive certificates and teachers of the winners receive a $25 contribution per award for use in their classrooms.
Judges for the contest were: Law Day Committee Co-chairs Pam Slate, Montgomery (Hill Hill Carter Franco Cole & Black PC) and Chad Stewart, Montgomery (Beasley Allen Methvin Crow Portis & Miles PC); Tommy Klinner, Montgomery (Ala. Dept. of Mental Health & Retardation); Tim Lewis, director, state Law Library; Craig Baab, Montgomery (Appleseed Center for Law & Justice, Inc.); Alvin Benn, columnist, The Montgomery Advertiser and three assistant General Counsels, Jeremy McIntire, Robby Lusk and Mark Moody, Office of the General Counsel, Alabama State Bar.
The 17,000-member Alabama State Bar is dedicated to promoting the professional responsibility, competence and satisfaction of its members, improving the administration of justice and increasing public understanding and respect for the law.
Law Day 2012 Winners
Posters Grades K-3:
1st – Sasha Foreman
2nd – Lily Geisen
3rd – Simms Berdy
Posters Grades 4-6:
1st – Nicholas Fitzgerald
2nd – Simon Jeon
3rd – Madison Foshee
Essays Grades 7-9:
1st –Brady Unzicker
2nd –Hayden Desmond
3rd –Starlaina Graham
Essays Grades 10-12:
1st –Read Mills
2nd –Dannielle Thompson
3nd –Jasmine Bolden
Social Media Grades:
1st – Paul Waldrop
Central High School, Phenix City
2nd – Nick Jackson
Central High School, Phenix City
3rd – Mary Jenkins
Central High School, Phenix City