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

Luke Cagle, who is home schooled in Jones, won the first place $75 prize in the fifth grade creative writing contest for his story, “The Day Joel Chose the President.” His mother, who is also his teacher, entered him in the contest.

Patrick Ryan Bender of St. Elizabeth Ann Seton School in Edmond won the first place $75 prize in the eighth grade creative writing contest for his story, “The Death of Democracy.” His teacher, Barbara Brearton, entered him in the contest.

Baylor Coffman of Del City’s Christian Heritage Academy won the second place $25 prize in the pre-kindergarten coloring contest. Her teacher, Donna Alexander, entered her in the contest.

Four of Alexander’s students also received honorable mentions. They are Cameron Clark, Laney Draper, Megan Lemieux and Sarah Sherrard.

Several other Oklahoma County students received honorable mention. They are Andrew Baker, Celynne Beaudoin, Colin Bost, David Cagle, Samuel Carroll, Danielle Renee Gonzales, Adam Jester, Davis Martin, Bridget McGuire, Brian Ralston, Joe Rohleder, Zachary Scott, Lauren Smith, Nicole Smith, Blair Tarman, Nate TrotterTaryn Ward, Jasmine Ware and Rachel Watson.

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 drawing, collage, diorama, 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.