Law Day 2013 was celebrated  on Friday, May 3, 2013.  The event was well attended by members of the bar and friends and family of essay and art contest winners.  Lycoming County Mock Trial contest participants from Montoursville and Jersey Shore High School were also recognized.

The annual Law Day program, held at the Lycoming County Courthouse, showcased the winners of the annual essay and artwork contest co-sponsored by the Lycoming Law Association and the Lycoming County Paralegal Association. The winners presented their work for the first time to the assembled crowd.

The event began with a long-time tradition - the "Law Day Singers"  sang the national anthem. The official 2013 Law Day Proclamation was read by Master of Ceremonies John Peitrovito.

Lycoming Law Association President Julie Steinbacher gave brief comments welcoming those in attendance.

Next, John Pietrovito recognized members and coaches of the Jersey Shore and Montoursville High Schools Mock Trial teams.  Members recognized as "best witness" and "best advocate" during the competition received certificates.

The student art and essay contest winners were then called on to display their art works or read their essays. The artwork and essays are reporduced here.

The grade K-5 essay topic was: "Why is it important for the government to treat everyone equally?" The grade 6-8 essay topic was: "What does it mean to you to be equal under the laws of the United States? "  The grade 9-12 essay topic was: "In your opinion, what work remains to be done in rectifying injustice and eliminating all forms of discrimination?"

Grand Prize:  Serena Sarch - Grade 11 - Williamsport High School.

Sherry Chen - Grade 05 - McCall Middle School
Anna Stewart - Grade 07 - Curtin Middle School
Kailey Beltz - Grade 09 - McCall Middle School
Sierra Aichner - Grade 12 - Loyalsock High School

The artwork topic was: "Equality For All." 

The Artwork Winners:

Grand Prize: Kristin Rogers - Grade 10 - Hughesville High School

Zach Fisher - Grade 03 - Lyter Elementary School
Olivia Gautieri - Grade 05 - Jackson Elementary School
Kiley Pentz - Grade 05 - McCall Middle School
Maria Balestino - Grade 12 - Williamsport High School

Special guests, newly installed Federal Middle District Court Judge Matthew Brann and federal Magistrate Judge William I. Arbuckle, III presided along with Lycoming County Judges Nancy Butts, Joy McCoy, Richard Gray and Marc Lovecchio.  At the conclusion of the essay/artwork segment of the ceremony, the Judges expressed their thoughts on the student's work and the importance of Law Day in highlighting of the rule of law in our country.

 A reception sponsored by the Lycoming County Paralegal Association, in the children’s honor, was held in the Juror's Lounge and brought the assembled group together for pizza and cake.