Several Tulsa County students received high honors in the statewide Law Day art and writing contests sponsored by the Oklahoma Bar Association.

Katelyn Robinson of Evangelistic Temple School won the first place $75 prize in the sixth grade creative writing contest for her story, “The Fight.”

Chandler Berrett, also of Evangelistic Temple School, won the first place $75 prize in the seventh grade creative writing contest for his poem, “How America Gained Its Freedom.” Margaret Barnes won the second place $50 prize for her story, “Democracy – Now & Proud.”

Two other students from Evangelistic Temple School also took top honors. Ryan Thomas won the first place $100 prize in the 12th grade creative free for all contest for his song, “November 4, 2008.” Mark A. Stewart won the second place $50 prize for his poem, “The Polls.”

Destin Bement of Edison Middle School won the second place $50 prize in the eighth grade creative writing contest for his poem, “Elections – Democracy in Action.”

Several Tulsa County students received honorable mentions for their entries. They are Ruthie Ashley, Megan Bell, Brooke Brock, Jessie Cowles, Darian Curry, Jake Dowdy, Emily Downing, Sarah Hanson, Huston Hulse, Ethan Howard, Hannah Johannsson, Jerime R. Julson, Courtney Levy, Peter C. Mackay, Eric Moffitt, Kandyce Moore, Annabel Mueller, Sebastian Pineda, Christian Quick, Micah Reed, Eric Richter, Rachel Selby, Arvin Sepehr, Spencer Sharpe, Noelle Elizabeth Souter, Emily Stanton, Chris Swanson, Rachel Thomas, Lauren Tran, Lauryn Tumpkin, Greyson Vaughn, Jadyn Watson-Fisher, Matt Young and Tavia Zarubin.

Each year, the OBA offers school children the opportunity to creatively express their understanding of the role the law plays in their lives. Other contests offered were coloring, drawing, collage and diorama. More than 1,600 students in grades pre-kindergarten through 12th grade entered this year’s Law Day contests. Entries were based on the theme “Elections: Democracy in Action.”

“Law Day is an opportunity to educate the public about the importance of our government and how it plays in our lives,” said OBA President Bill Conger of Oklahoma City. “We believe everyone should be aware of their rights and responsibilities as citizens.”

Law Day, an annual nationwide event designated by the U.S. Congress in 1958, is celebrated with events on or around May 1 to raise public awareness of American law and its valuable impact on the lives of U.S. citizens. The idea for Law Day was conceived by the late Hicks Epton, a Wewoka attorney and Oklahoma Bar Association past president.

Each year, the OBA celebrates Law Day by offering the contests for children, providing a statewide hotline for free legal advice and producing an award-winning informational TV show, which airs on public television. More information about Law Day can be found at www.okbar.org.