In honor of Constitution Day, the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Southern District of Georgia, Savannah Division, holds a contest for K-5 graders in Chatham County public Schools. Kindergarten - 3rd grade students are asked to create a piece of art work showing how their family benefits from the freedoms set out in the U.S. Constitution. The 4th – 5th graders are asked to write an essay explaining why he/she values a particular freedom set forth in the Bill of Rights or later amendments of the U.S. Constitution.
Once a winner from each grade is chosen (by the Judge and his staff), a ceremony is held for the winning students. At the ceremony Judge Edward J. Coleman, III provides a brief constitution history lesson followed by a presentation of awards. The winners are given a framed award signed by Chief Judge Coleman, a hand held copy of the U.S. Constitution, a reading book about the constitution for their age, a small American Flag and an American Flag pendant to wear at the ceremony. The students were also invited to a small cake and punch reception after the ceremony.
The winners artwork and essays are displayed on a bulletin board, on the 2nd floor of the courthouse for the whole year, for all to enjoy.
This years winners were:
Kindergarten - Christian Carter, from Mrs. Sweeney’s class at White Bluff Elementary School
1st grade - Sophia Denton, from Ms. Gerido’s class at Windsor Forest Elementary School
2nd grade - Kennedy Manley, from Ms. Roberts’ art Class at Shuman Elementary School
3rd grade - Alanah Caruthers, from Ms. Gerido’s class at Windsor Forest Elementary School
4th grade - Azzuri Murphy, from Ms. Poteau’s class at Shuman Elementary School
5th Grade - Lietta H. Checketts, from Mrs. P. Baker’s class at Jacob G. Smith Elementary School
Congratulations to our students! Check out photos from the ceremony here!
