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Clerk's 5th Annual Law Day Art Contest (2025)
Local Student Artsists Honored at PWC Circuit Court Clerk's Law Day Award Ceremony
On May 1, 2024, at 6 p.m., Jacqueline Smith, Esq., Clerk of the 31st Circuit Court, held the 5th Annual Law Day Award Ceremony in the atrium on the third floor of the Judicial Center. The event celebrated student’s illustration of the theme “The Constitution’s Promise; Out of Many, One”. Several young artists received recognition and prizes for their artwork.
Law Day, observed annually in May, is a national initiative that emphasizes the significance of the role of law in a free society. Established by President Dwight D. Eisenhower, the occasion encourages reflection on the principles that foster an orderly and just system. Legal professionals across the country commemorate the day through various activities.
Clerk Smith’s Annual Art Contest integrates civics and artistic expression. The contest provides local students with a unique and interactive platform to illustrate the role of law while encouraging thoughtful civil discourse.
At this year's ceremony, Tom Gordy, the Brentsville District Supervisor, delivered a special address and presented the Clerk with an official Law Day Proclamation on behalf of the Prince William County Board of County Supervisors. The proclamation highlighted the historical foundations and importance of law.
Aligning with the National Law Day theme, “The Constitution’s Promise: Out of Many, One,” the contest engaged the public through an online voting system. Finalists were selected through a public polling process, and winners were selected across four categories: high school, middle school, and two elementary school divisions.
First Place-Winners included:
- Jaxon R., Rosa Parks Elementary (Grades 1-2): "Proud Lady Liberty"
- Aiden C., Merit School of Prince William (Grades 3-5): "USA"
- Gabe B. Saunders Middle School (Grades 6-8): "We Are One"
- Marcus B., Patriot High School (Grades 9-12): "We Are Many People...But Only One Nation"
Winning artwork will be displayed at the Manassas Museum, located in the Historic District of the City of Manassas, May through June.
The Circuit Court Clerk’s Office extends appreciation to the schools and students from Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park for their participation. A special thank you to the generous contributors who supported student awards, including Bach to Rock - Bristow, Cafe Pottery and Splatter Paint (A.C. Fun Factory), Crumbl Cookies - Bristow, Chick fil A - Bristow, Dabble, CRC., Hylton Performing Arts Center, Manassas Museum, Time Mission, Uptown Alley, Prince William County Parks and Recreation, and The Merit Schools of Manassas and Prince William County.
We are excited to showcase your student artwork in 2026! Please follow us on social media for updates @PWCCircuitCourt (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X), Threads, YouTube).
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Congratulations to the 2024 4th Annual Law Day Art Contest Winners:
Local Students Awarded at Circuit Court Clerk’s 4th Annual Law Day Art Contest Ceremony
Jacqueline Smith, Esq., Clerk of the 31st Circuit Court, held her 4th Annual Law Day Art Contest Award Ceremony on May 2nd, 2024, at 6 p.m. in the Judicial Center's third floor atrium, where several students received prizes for their artwork.
Clerk Smith’s Annual Art Contest combines civics and art and offers local students an interactive way to illustrate decision-making and civil discourse. Law professionals across the country observe Law Day in May every year to promote a better understanding of the legal profession and the role of law in society.
This year, several students from the Prince William County Human Rights Student Leadership Council joined to deliberate as peer jurors for the contest.
The student jurors were captivated by the powerful “symbols of democracy, diversity, and people using their voices” in each artwork. They noted that the artists effectively conveyed the theme with their colorful and inspiring pieces.
Coinciding with the National Law Day theme “Voices of Democracy," an online public poll was taken and tallied. Winners were selected from four (4) categorical levels: high school, middle school, and two categories from elementary school.
First-place winners include:
Elementary School (1st–2nd grades): “The Supremes” by Huey W. (The Merit School of Prince William)
Elementary School (3rd–5th grades): “The Power of the People” by Kennedy M. (Kyle Wilson Elementary)
Middle School (6th–8th grades): “Hear Us!” by Lela N. (Manassas Park Middle School)
High School (9th–12th grades): “Hear Us” by Denise K. (Colgan High School)
The art will be exhibited at the Open Space Arts gallery in Stonebridge at Potomac Town Center from May 4th to May 26th, 2024.
The Circuit Court Clerk’s Office extends gratitude for the schools and students who participated from Prince William County, Manassas, and Manassas Park. With special thanks to award sponsors, Cafe Pottery (A.C. Fun Factory), Bach to Rock, the ARTfactory, Uptown Alley, Prince William County Parks and Recreation, Open Space Arts, Crumbl Cookies -Bristow, Chick Fil A -Bristow, Merit School of Manassas and Prince William County, McKay Used Books.
Click on this coloring resources website for a fun way to encourage Law Day interest among younger students.
We are excited to showcase your student artwork in 2025! Please follow us on social media for updates @PWCCircuitCourt (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X), Threads, YouTube).
Our offices are located on the 3rd floor of the Judicial Center located at 9311 Lee Avenue, Manassas, VA 20110.