EDGARD – The judges at St. John the Baptist Parish Courthouse celebrated Law Day 2010 this year by sponsoring an Essay and art contest for St. John the Baptist Parish public and private school students grades six through eight.

The Law Day 2010 theme was “Law in the 21st Century: Emerging Challenges and Enduring Traditions.” To apply this theme to local students, the judges picked the theme of cyber bullying and asked students to write an essay or create an art project about whether they believe schools have a right to limit students’ First Amendment rights by punishing students for cyber bullying, even if it takes place off of school grounds. 

The response was tremendous.

Ten schools and over 600 students in St. John Parish participated in the essay and art contest. 

The judges selected three third place essay winners, three second place essay winners, and three first place essay winners. The judges also selected three first place art winners. 

The judges invited all the winners and their families to the courthouse in Edgard to be recognized for their accomplishments. The first place winners received a certificate and a $50 check. The second and third place winners received certificates. Lunch and cake were served to the students and their families who attended the ceremony. 

The winners are listed below: 

Winners of the Essay Contest:

First place:  Kayla Ceasar – LaPlace Elementary, seventh grade, Ms. Porciau

First place: Coi Morris – Our Lady of Grace, eighth grade, Ms. Tassin

First place: A’lon Gaudet – West St. John Elementary, seventh grade, Mr. Becnel

Second place: Shea’la Schenall – Ory Magnet, eighth grade, Mrs. Zeledon

Second place: Ke’Ira Miller – West St. John Elementary, seventh grade, Mr. Becnel

Second place: Chanie Mollere – St. Peter, seventh grade, Ms. Trosclair

Third place: Arlissa Giles – Ory Magnet, sixth grade, Mrs. Charles

Third place: Trevone Bynum – Leon Godchaux, eighth grade, Ms. Burl

Third place: Tyris Smith – Our Lady of Grace, eighth grade, Ms. Tassin

Winners of the Art Contest:

First place: Jasmine Bonilla – Lake Pontchartrain, sixth grade, Ms. Hayes

First place: Jazlyn Farlough –  St. Peter, seventh grade, Ms. Ocmand

First place: Kennedy Williams – LaPlace Elementary, seventh grade, Ms. Peret