2022 Law Day Press Release
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Law Day Contests & Events Announced
March 15, 2022. Updated March 28, 2022. Washington, PA. Washington County students grades 2 through 12 — and adults — are invited to submit entries for this year’s Law Day Contests sponsored by the Washington County Bar Association, the Washington County Bar Foundation, and the Observer-Reporter newspaper. The entry deadline is 4pm on Wednesday, April 20. The bookmark contest for grades 2-5 has cash prizes ranging from $15 to $50; and the editorial essay, creative arts, and box diorama contests for grades 6-12 have cash prizes ranging from $100 to $225. All place winners and honorable mentions for all contests will receive a certificate and winners will be featured the first week of May in the Observer-Reporter. Awards will be presented at a Public Law Day Celebration to be held at the Courthouse, scheduled for May 10, 2022, at 6pm.
This year’s theme “Toward a More Perfect Union: The Constitution in Times of Change.” At 4,400 words and signed in 1787, the U.S. Constitution is one of the shortest and oldest written constitutions in the world. It is a dynamic document, as it not only outlines a blueprint for government, but also delegates power, articulates rights, and offers mechanisms for change. It is neither perfect, nor exhaustive, as our nation’s history makes clear. Legislation, court rulings, amendments, lawyers, and “we the people” have built upon those original words across generations to attempt to make the “more perfect Union” more real. The effort continues today, as contemporary leaders and everyday citizens raise their voices as loud as ever to fulfill the promise of the Constitution. Defining and refining those words of the Constitution might be our oldest national tradition, and how each of us works — together — toward a more perfect Union.
The Law Day committee is also seeking submissions of Law Day Citizenship Projects that have had an impact on the Washington County community at some point over the past 18 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.
Any entry that can be emailed should be done so to Kathy@washcobar.org, including essays, photographs of box dioramas, and, if possible, creative arts submissions such as links to films or videos. Bookmarks and other “mailable” entries should be sent to the Bar Association office at 119 South College Street, Washington, PA 15301. Email Kathy@washcobar.org to schedule a drop-off time for submission of 3-dimensional artwork and other non-mailable and non-emailable entries. All entries must be received no later than 4pm on Wednesday, April 20, 2022.
In addition, the first of a series of free seminar series will be held Monday, April 18, from 5:30-6:30pm, Washington & Jefferson College, Burnett Center, Yost Auditorium. Attorney Rachel Lozosky will present, “Civility and the Rule of Law.” The program will focus on the rule of law in American democracy, as framed by the founders and as seen from diverse viewpoints. It will also explore how appreciating our shared values, as well as the space that a democracy afford for differing voices, can foster greater civility and advance the rule of law for all. Registration is open at www.washcobar.org in “Upcoming Events.”
Law Day U.S.A. was established in 1958 by President Eisenhower to strengthen our nation’s 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 and in the fall for Constitution Day. One of these programs, “Turning 18: Legal Issues in the Real World,” which can be provided online, is geared toward those who will experience dramatic changes in their rights and responsibilities when they turn 18 and become, legally, adults.
For more information about Law Day or other programs offered by the Washington County Bar Association and Washington County Bar Foundation, contact WCBA Executive Director Kathy Sabol at kathy@washcobar.org or 724-225-6710.