American Bar Association announces winner of 6th annual Law Day art contest
The American Bar Association Young Lawyers Division announced that Abby Tan of Middlesex County Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Technologies in Edison, NJ, has won its sixth annual Law Day Art Contest for single entry and that Jazmine Bandala and Tahmina Chowdhury of Passaic County Technical Institute in Wayne, NJ won first place in the group submission category.
Tan’s artwork, titled “I Am More Than Words,” is based on this year’s Law Day theme, “Miranda: More than Words.”
In the spirit of collaboration, Bandala and Chowdhury’s video submission was titled “Miranda: More than Words.”
“The talent and creativity demonstrated in the student submissions is overwhelming and inspiring,’” said Casey Kannenberg, public service director of the ABA Young Lawyers Division. “In particular, the video submission by Jazmine and Tahmina is a great example of young people demonstrating a deep understanding and appreciation of the protections Miranda affords, and really capturing the spirit of the Contest.”
The winners of the contest will receive prizes up to $750. Finalists were evaluated based on originality, creativity, quality and relevance to the contest theme.
Courtney Vice of Nicholas County High school in Carlisle, KY was the runner-up in the single-entry category. Ariana Hernandez and C. Valeria Perez of the Kunsmiller Creative Arts Academy in Denver were runners-up in the group category.
The annual Law Day Contest is an opportunity for students to learn about the legal system. All U.S. students, grades nine to 12, were eligible to submit an art piece on this year’s contest theme.
Envisioned in 1957 by then-ABA President Charles S. Rhyne as a special national day of recognition, the first Law Day was established by President Dwight Eisenhower the following year. Congress issued a joint resolution in 1961 designating May 1 as the official day to celebrate the nation’s commitment to the rule of law.
While Law Day is officially recognized on May 1, many civic groups and bar associations celebrate with a month of programs, presentations and events.
Co-sponsors of the contest were the ABA Standing Committee on Judicial Independence and the ABA Division for Public Education.
Group Submissions
First Place
Jazmine Bandala and Tahmina Chowdhury – “Miranda: More than Words”
Passaic County Technical Institute
Wayne, NJ
Second Place
Ariana Hernandez and C. Valeria Perez – “Miranta”
Kunsmiller Creative Arts Academy
Denver, CO
Single Submissions
First Place
Abby Tan – “I Am More than Words”
Middlesex County Academy for Science, Mathematics, and Engineering Technologies
Edison, NJ
Second Place
Courtney Vice – “Last Words”
Nicholas County High School
Carlisle, KY
About the Contest
This annual contest provides a wonderful opportunity to learn about our legal system, justice, get creative and win prizes. The contest can be incorporated into a curriculum, offered as extra credit, or just done for fun. Individual and groups submissions are welcomed.
Students are allowed to submit an art piece which may be represented in two-dimensions to be entered in the Law Day Art Contest. Students are encouraged to use their creativity and create art pieces in any medium desired (including, but not limited to, drawings, paintings, films, photographs, graphic novels, comics, etc.).
The Law Day Art Contest is open to students, student groups, and classes attending a public or private high school, or being home schooled, within the United States and in grades 9-12 or the equivalent.
All qualified participants under the age of 18 must have their parent or guardian sign the Parental Permission Release Form, and each Entry Form must be signed by an adult.
Co-sponsors: the ABA Standing Committee on Judicial Independence and the ABA Division for Public Education.
