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

Jaymee Bell of Empire Elementary won the first place $75 prize in the sixth grade poetry contest for her poem, “Empowering Youth, Assuring Democracy.” Her teacher, Candace Womack, entered her in the contest.

Kyle Ressel of Comanche High School won the second place $50 prize in the ninth grade poetry contest for his poem, “My Land.” His teacher, Sarah Rucker, entered him in the contest.

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, coloring, collage, diorama and an art free for all category. More than 2,000 students in grades pre-kindergarten through 12th grade entered this year’s Law Day contests. Entries were based on the theme “Empowering Youth, Assuring Democracy.”

“We set aside Law Day each year to educate the public about the role the legal system plays in our lives,” said OBA President Stephen Beam of Weatherford. “We believe it’s never too early to begin educating children about their 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.

In 2005, the American Bar Association honored the OBA with the Outstanding Law Day Activity Award. Each year, The OBA celebrates Law Day by offering the contests for children, providing a statewide hotline for free legal advice and producing an hour-long informational TV show, which airs on public television. More information about Law Day can be found at www.okbar.org.

The 15,000-member Oklahoma Bar Association, headquartered in Oklahoma City, was created by the Oklahoma Supreme Court to advance the administration of justice and to foster and maintain learning, integrity, competence, public service and high standards of conduct among Oklahoma's legal community.