EDGARD — The Fortieth Judicial District Court hosted its annual Law Day Celebration May 6 at the courthouse in Edgard.

Students from West St. John Elementary and West St. John High School attended the presentation. The 2016 Law Day theme, “Voting Matters,” showcased a unique voting rights program.

During this program, fifth grader Jaci Donald, sixth grader Amari Smith and seventh grader Ty’Reion Smith campaigned for “President of Law Day.” This fictitious public office represented the importance of elections in our community and served as a reminder that each vote matters.

After hearing the candidates’ speeches, the students elected Ty’Reion Smith as their President of Law Day.

Ty’Reion Smith’s campaign slogan was, “We Can Make a Change.”

Students also heard from Newton Savoie, who spoke about the history of voting rights in the United States. Savoie encouraged students to take an interest in elections now so as to be an informed voter in the future.

Judges Madeline Jasmine, Mary Hotard Becnel and J. Sterling Snowdy of the 40th Judicial District Court and Judge Jude Gravois from the Fifth Circuit Court of Appeal provided words of encouragement to the students, reiterating the importance of elections and emphasizing each citizen’s vote is an opportunity to effectuate change.