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Clerk's 6th Annual Law Day Art Contest (2026)
Coming Soon: The Circuit Court Clerk’s 6th Annual Law Day Art Contest
Mark your calendars and get ready to unleash your creativity! The Clerk’s Office will host an art workshop at the Makerspace at the Prince William Public Central Library on Saturday, February 21, 2026 at 1 p.m. to launch our 6th Annual Law Day Art Contest.
Every year in May, law professionals across the country commemorate Law Day to promote an understanding of the legal profession and the importance of law in society. This year, we explore "The Rule of Law and The American Dream." This emphasizes the principle that no person is above the law, ensuring that people have the right to live freely and to pursue their dreams.
This year (2026), the Clerk of Circuit Court, Jacqueline C. Smith is calling for student artwork that reflects the American Bar Association's Law Day Theme: “The Rule of Law and The American Dream.” The goal for the Clerk’s Law Day Art Contest is to provide an exciting and educational way for students to deepen their understanding of the many ways law and the legal process protect our liberty, strive to achieve justice, and contribute to the freedoms that all Americans share. This contest inspires civil discourse about the common good and the framework of our democracy.
Clerk Smith encourages all students in grades 1st-12th enrolled in private, home, and public schools in Prince William County, and the Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park, to submit artwork illustrating the theme, “The Rule of Law and The American Dream.” Details about the Clerk’s call for student artwork for her 6th Annual Law Day Art Contest are included in this packet (click here).
Contest Eligibility The contest is open to all local students enrolled for the 2025–2026 school year in grades 1 through 12 in Prince William County, as well as the Cities of Manassas and Manassas Park.
2026 Contest Timetable:
- January 12: Official Public Announcement: Circuit Court Clerk Calls for Law Day Artwork
- February 21 (at 1 p.m.): Art Workshop at Central Library (Makerspace)
- February 21 through April 24: Early Entries Accepted
- April 27: ALL Entries Required (Due By)
- April 28: Public Voting opens, both in person and Online. Link: Click Here to Vote (ONE VOTE PER PERSON)
- April 29 – May 2: Artwork will be on display at the courthouse
- May 1 (TBD): Law Day Ceremony
- May 10 – TBD: Artwork may be on display at a local venue
*Law Day Ceremony (MAY 2026: TBD) Artwork will be on display and awards will be presented at the Circuit Court Clerk’s Law Day Ceremony/Open House. Invitations will be sent in advance with details.
We can’t wait to see what you create!
Please follow us on social media for updates @PWCCircuitCourt (Facebook, Instagram, Twitter (X), Threads, YouTube).
Click on this coloring resources website for a fun way to encourage Law Day interest among younger students.
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Congratulations to the winners of the 2025 5th Annual Law Day Art Contest:
Local Student Artsists Honored at PWC Circuit Court Clerk's Law Day Award Ceremony
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"
All artwork will be featured at the Manassas Museum, located in the Historic District of the City of Manassas.
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.
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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.
Our offices are located on the 3rd floor of the Judicial Center located at 9311 Lee Avenue, Manassas, VA 20110.