A Canton Elementary student received high honors in the statewide Law Day art contest sponsored by the Oklahoma Bar Association.

Lance Sessions won the first place $50 prize in the sixth grade for his diorama contest entry. His teacher, Jack Haub, entered him in the contest.

Several other Canton Elementary students received honorable mentions. They are Ryan Chapdelaine, Anicia Cheney, Richard Combs, Desmond Fairbanks, Luke Fuqua, Johanna Galvan, Melody Garrison, Brent Harris, Kelly Hickey, Marci Howerton, Matthew McGuire, Kameron Owens, Isaac Sanderson and Ethan Smoker.

Angel Espinoza of Geary Elementary and Hima Patel of Watonga Elementary also took honorable mentions.

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, creative writing and a creative free for all category. 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.