Local Students Awarded at Circuit Court Clerk’s 4th Annual Law Day Art Contest Ceremony

Local Students Awarded at Circuit Court Clerk’s 4^th Annual Law Day Art Contest Ceremony

Jacqueline Smith, Esq., Clerk of the 31st Circuit Court, held her 4th Annual Law Day Art Contest Award Ceremony on May 2nd, 2024, at 6 p.m. in the Judicial Center's third floor atrium, where several students received prizes for their artwork.

Clerk Smith’s Annual Art Contest combines civics and art and offers local students an interactive way to illustrate decision-making and civil discourse. Law professionals across the country observe Law Day in May every year to promote a better understanding of the legal profession and the role of law in society.

This year, several students from the Prince William County Human Rights Student Leadership Council joined to deliberate as peer jurors for the contest.

The student jurors were captivated by the powerful “symbols of democracy, diversity, and people using their voices” in each artwork. They noted that the artists effectively conveyed the theme with their colorful and inspiring pieces.

Coinciding with the National Law Day theme “Voices of Democracy," an online public poll was taken and tallied. Winners were selected from four (4) categorical levels: high school, middle school, and two categories from elementary school.

First-place winners include:
Elementary School (1st–2nd grades): “The Supremes” by Huey W. (The Merit School of Prince William)
Elementary School (3rd–5th grades): “The Power of the People” by Kennedy M. (Kyle Wilson Elementary)
Middle School (6th–8th grades): “Hear Us!” by Lela N. (Manassas Park Middle School)
High School (9th–12th grades): “Hear Us” by Denise K. (Colgan High School)

The art will be exhibited at the Open Space Arts gallery in Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center from May 4^th to May 26^th, 2024.

The Circuit Court Clerk’s Office extended gratitude for the schools and students who participated from Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park. With special thanks to award sponsors, Cafe Pottery (A.C. Fun Factory), Bach to Rock, the ARTfactory, Uptown Alley, Prince William County Parks and Recreation, Open Space Arts, Crumbl Cookies -Bristow, Chick Fil A -Bristow, Merit School of Manassas and Prince William County, McKay Used Books. 

For more information about the Clerk’s Annual Law Day Art Contest, please visit https://www.pwcva.gov/department/circuit-court/clerks-annual-law-day-art-contest.