Mar 17, 2019 3 min read

Washington County students in grades 2 through 12 are invited to submit entries for this year’s Law Day Contests sponsored by the Washington County Bar Association and Observer-Reporter newspaper. Entries must be received by 4 p.m. Friday, April 12. This year’s theme is “Free Speech, Free Press, Free Society.”

This year’s theme explores how the freedom of speech and the press are among the most important foundations for a free society. Free speech and free press are prominent topics in public discourse and litigation. It is impossible to imagine a free society without these individual liberties, yet historical and current debates surrounding them continually challenge us to consider their boundaries and resilience. Changes in technology have reshaped how free speech and free press work in the everyday world.

The bookmark contest for grades 2-5 has cash prizes ranging from $50 to $15, and both the editorial essay contest and the creative arts contest for grades 6-12 have cash prizes ranging from $100 to $225. New this year, students and adults can create dioramas using the Just Born “Peeps” marshmallow treats to convey the Law Day theme, with grade 6-12 winners receiving cash prizes from $100 to $225 and adults winning $200 for the charity of their choice. All place winners and honorable mentions will receive a certificate and will be honored at the Public Law Day Celebration at 6 p.m. Wednesday, May 1 at Washington County Courthouse .

The Law Day committee is also seeking submissions of Citizenship Projects that have had an impact on the Washington County community at some point over the past 24 months. Washington County residents or an organization with its primary office address in Washington County are eligible to apply for the $250 prize, which will be donated to the winner’s charity of choice.

Law Day U.S.A. was established in 1958 by President Eisenhower to strengthen our great heritage of liberty, justice and equality under the law. Law Day is officially on May 1; however, the Washington County Bar Association provides educational resources and activities for schools throughout the spring months as part of its “law day season” of programming. Lesson plans are available at www.lawday.org and in-school speakers and activities can be scheduled through the Bar Association.

For information about Law Day or to download the law day contest brochure and rules, visit the Public Resources page at www.washcobar.org or contact the Bar Association at 724-225-6710 or wcba@washcobar.org.