CHAMBERSBURG, Pa. – Students across Franklin County are being encouraged to participate in a statewide civics contest aimed at highlighting the role of Pennsylvania’s courts as part of the nation’s upcoming 250th anniversary celebration.
In a March 26 memorandum, President Judge Shawn D. Meyers of the 39th Judicial District invited students in public, private, charter, cyber-charter and home school settings to take part in two contests organized by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania Historical Commission.
The initiative is part of Pennsylvania’s contribution to “America250,” commemorating the United States’ 250th birthday.
The contests are designed to celebrate both state and national history while helping students better understand the role and function of the courts, according to the memo.
The first contest is a coloring competition open to students ages 5 to 11. Participants will have the opportunity to create their own version of a judge.
The second contest is an essay competition open to students in grades 3 through 12. Entries will be judged on creativity and overall quality.
Essay prompts vary by age group. Students in grades 3 through 5 are asked to explain why the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania is important, while students in grades 6 through 12 are asked to write about which Pennsylvania Supreme Court justice inspires them and why.
Winners will be notified May 8 and will be recognized by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court during a ceremony May 18, held in conjunction with oral arguments at the state Capitol in Harrisburg.
Full contest instructions, including materials for the coloring contest, are available through the Pennsylvania courts website, according to the memo.
The deadline to submit entries is April 24.
