Knoxville students win statewide Law Day contests

NASHVILLE, TN -- In an annual contest that challenged students to explore the promise of equality for all on 150th anniversary of Emancipation Proclamation, Knoxville 10th grader Caroline Julie Rogers of Bearden High School took first place. Cedar Bluff Elementary School fourth grader Jackson Steven James Ahern took second place in the art contest. Their work can be viewed online at www.tba.org.

The Law Day essay contest is sponsored by the Tennessee Bar Association (TBA). The TBA Young Lawyers Division each year holds a statewide art and essay contest in conjunction with Law Day -- a national day set aside to celebrate the rule of law. Established in 1958, Law Day provides an opportunity for young people to learn about the law and the American judicial system and an opportunity for lawyers to serve their communities.

The theme of this year's contest was "Realizing the Dream: Equality for All", which asked students to explore civil and human rights movements in America and the impact they have had in promoting the ideal of equality under the law on this the 150th anniversary of the Emancipation Proclamation. Students also were asked to consider what remains to be done to rectify injustice in society, including eliminating all forms of discrimination, putting an end to human trafficking and ending other violations of human rights.

In the art contest, first place went to Winchester eighth grader Jonathan M. Brewer from South Middle School while third place was awarded to Zee Marie Schumacher, a fourth grader at Immaculate Conception School in Clarksville. Honorable mention awards went to eighth grader Jon Carl Lowery at Zion Christian Academy in Columbia and Cedric Brame, a sixth grade student at Burks Middle School in Monterey.

Second place in the essay contest went to Savannah Oliver, a junior at Forrest High School in Chapel Hill. Third place went to Delaine Lorio, a ninth grader at Tennessee High School in Bristol.

Students placing in the top three slots will receive cash prizes for their entries and have their work displayed at the TBA's annual convention in Nashville, June 12-15.

Law Day is celebrated every May 1 as a special day to mark the nation's commitment to the rule of law. Programs are held across the country to enhance the public's appreciation for the law, to foster a greater understanding of the American judicial system, and to provide an opportunity for attorneys to serve their local communities. Learn more about Law Day.

The Tennessee Bar Association (TBA) is the largest professional association in Tennessee with more than 12,000 members.

Published May 8, 2013