Schools

Dearborn Students Honored for Essays on 56th Anniversary of Law Day

Students wrote essays on topics surrounding voter IDs, problems laws requiring them attempt to prevent and whether some groups are more affected than others about the laws.

The judges of Dearborn’s 19th District Court recently joined students to celebrate the 56th anniversary of Law Day – a time set aside each year to help Americans remember the importance of the rule of law.

The winners of the 2014 Law Day student essay contest were awarded prizes and honors by Chief Judge Sam Salamey; Judge Mark Somers; and Raymond Trudeau, representing the Rotary Club, the longtime Law Day sponsor. Also present for the ceremony were 19th District Court Magistrates Linda Mack, Doraid Elder and Adel Harb.    

The theme of this year’s contest was American Democracy and the Rule of Law: Why Every Vote Matters.

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The questions the students were given to write their essay dealt with voter identification laws:

  • Should we have to show ID to vote?

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  • What are voter ID laws trying to prevent?

  • Are specific groups of people more affected by these laws than others?

  • The contest drew hundreds of entries from fifth- through eighth-graders at Dearborn’s public and private middle schools.

    Law Day was established in 1958 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to mark the nation’s commitment to the rule of law. In 1961, Congress issued a joint resolution designating May 1st as the official date for celebrating Law Day.  The 19th District Court is proud to join bar associations, courts, schools, and civic groups across the country in commemorating the event each year.   

    Sixteen winning essays were selected: a first place, second place, third place winner and an honorable mention in each grade level (fifth through eighth).

    Through the generosity of Dearborn Rotary each first place winner received a certificate and a $100 Barnes and Noble gift card.  Each second place winner received a certificate and a $75 Barnes and Noble gift card.  Each third place winner received a certificate and a $50 Barnes and Noble gift card.  Recipients of honorable mentions each received a certificate and a $25 gift card to Barnes and Noble.

    The awards ceremony was held at the 19th District Court on May 1.  Chief Judge Sam Salamey thanked the Rotary Club of Dearborn for its sponsorship of the program, and gave special recognition to the parents and teachers attending the event.  

    Following the awards ceremony, photos were taken of students and family members with teachers and all dignitaries that were present.  Park Place Catering provided refreshments through the generosity of the Rotary Club.

    Here are the winners of the 2014 Law Day essay contest:

    Fifth grade – first place, Safa Hijazi, McCollough-Unis; second place, Ali Youssef Bazzi, Lowrey; third place, Maryam Shafiekhorassani, Maples; honorable mention, Ramuji Doniparthi, Geer Park.

    Sixth grade – first place, Claire Corcoran, Divine Child; second place, Gabriella Joganic, Divine Child; third place, Claire Garner, Divine Child; honorable mention, Sophia Palise, Divine Child.  

    Seventh grade – first place, Shahab Abdullah, Salina Intermediate; second place, Hadi Zreik, Woodworth; third place, Colin Garner, Divine Child; honorable mention, Marwa Ahmed, Salina Intermediate.

    Eighth grade – first place, Nadine Bazzi, Bryant; second place, Noelle Sufyan, Salina Intermediate; third place, Jessica Kakaley, O.L. Smith; honorable mention, Alexandra Turfe, Bryant.

    Source: Dearborn 19th District Court


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