Local Federal Courts again sponsor Bill of Rights Day contest

Like me, perhaps, some of you are still a bit giddy from your recent Constitution Day celebrations.

So be it. The Constitutional calendar moves on.

And, as we approach this year's Bill of Rights Day (December 15, for those of you who may have forgotten), the United States Courts of Appeals along with the United States District Courts in the Seventh and Eighth Circuits, are hosting the fifth annual Bill of Rights Day contest for students in grades 5 to 12 in Illinois (and elsewhere in the 7th and 8th Circuits). The contest is being conducted under the auspices of the Judicial Learning Center.

While there are (presumably) very few middle school and high school students among FWIW's regular readers, a great many FWIW readers have children or grandchildren who do fall in the target demographic. Some of us have middle school or high school teachers in our families, and among our friends and neighbors, as well. So we can alert them.

Pass the word to your kids, grandkids, friends, and family as follows:

Students in grades 5-12 from Arkansas, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, South Dakota, and Wisconsin are encouraged to submit art and essays on the importance of the Bill of Rights. Creativity is encouraged.

A grand prize winner from each grade level category will be awarded a $500 cash prize, be able to take part in a virtual event on Wednesday, December 4 with Federal Judges and other legal experts on the enduring rights afforded to Americans by the Bill of Rights, and have their name and submission shared on the websites of the participating United States District Courts. Finalists from each grade level category will receive a $50 prize.

There are four grade level categories: Grade 5-6, Grades 7-8, Grades 9-10, Grades 11-12.

Submissions will be accepted during the fall semester, through 5:00 p.m. on Friday, November 1, 2024.

Finalists will be notified by Thanksgiving and grand prize winners will be announced at the virtual event on December 4. A finalist must be present to win the grand prize.

Detailed contest prompts, guidelines, and online submission form can be found here: JudicialLearningCenter.org/bill-of-rights-day.

Teachers: Be sure to tell your students to list you on their submission forms. All teacher names submitted will be entered into a raffle for valuable gift cards. The more students you have enter the more chances you have to win.

Please also note: There is a bulk-submit option for teachers. Contact the Judicial Learning Center through the website for instructions on how to submit for your entire class. Teachers are strongly encouraged to use the bulk-submit option if multiple students are entering.

Persons not entering the contest who may nonetheless have a rooting interest in the proceedings are welcome to attend the virtual event on December 4 at 6:00 p.m. Central/7:00 p.m. Eastern. Attendees will also have the opportunity to win prizes.

Event registration is required. To register, click JudicialLearningCenter.org/bill-of-rights-day.