LAW DAY 2026
May 1st, 2026
The 2026 ABA National Law Day theme is “The Rule of Law and the American Dream.” The rule of law—the idea that no person is above the law—is what ensures the rights of the people to live their lives as freely as possible and to pursue their dreams. The ABA encourages all Americans to recognize Law Day on May 1, 2026, and to reflect on how the rule of law ensures all Americans have the ability to fulfill their dreams.
Muskegon County Law Day Competition & Awards Luncheon - May 1st, 2026
The Muskegon County Courts, in partnership with the Muskegon Bar Association, commemorate Law Day each year by inviting Muskegon area students to explore the annual theme and share their perspectives through various mediums. Students from the following grade bands are invited to compete in the annual:
> Grades 3-5 Art Competition
> Grades 6-8 Essay Competition
> Grades 9-11 & Senior Speech Competitions
>>Scroll Down or Use the Table of Contents (left) to find available details for each grade band.
All speech participants, art and essay contestant winners will be honored at the Law Day Luncheon on Friday, May 1st, 2026, at the Muskegon Country Club (*please note the location change from previous years).
Deadlines:
***All artwork entries must be submitted no later than 5:00p.m., March 27th, 2026.
***All essays and speech participant entry forms must be submitted no later than 5pm on April 17th, 2026.
>>Directions for submission are found on the submission application/entry documents to be linked below ***
Questions? Please reach out to...
Kristen Renes krenes@muskegonisd.org
Vee Boeringa boeringavi@co.muskegon.mi.us
Art Prompt:
For this art contest, create a poster for a new movie with a main character called “Justice” who protects fairness and helps everyone have a chance to follow their dreams.*TEACHER NOTE: As your students prepare for this contest, we encourage you to have conversations and engage in activities with your students to better understand the meaning and importance of "the rule of law", as well as how individuals in this country have the freedom to follow their dreams and make society a better place.
ART COMPETITION APPLICATION (3rd - 5th Grade)
- Artwork should be a minimum of 8.5” x 11” up to a maximum of 22” x 28” and submitted along with the attached Entry Form. We encourage students to have fun and be creative!
- Please submit all student artwork no later than 5:00p.m., March 27th, 2025 (see application for specifics)
Awards for Art Contest Winners are as follows:
1st Place: $75.00
2nd Place: $50.00
3rd Place: $25.00
4th Place: $25.00
• 1st place student’s teacher will receive $100.00 to use for their classroom.
*Winners and their teachers will be notified by e-mail or phone.
Art competition winners, up to two RSVP'd guests and their teacher will be invited to attend the Muskegon County Bar Association Law Day Luncheon on Friday, May 1, 2026 at the Muskegon Country Club (Event details forthcoming).
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Essay Prompt:
What does the “American Dream” mean to you, and how do laws help people try to reach that dream?
*STUDENTS: Please submit 300 - 500 word, dbl spaced essays and entry form to your teacher.
*TEACHERS: Please note that each class is limited to submitting 5 essays per teacher.
Please submit all student essays no later than 5pm, April 17th, 2026 to: Samantha J. Jonas jonassa@co.muskegon.mi.us
Awards for Essay Contest Winners are as follows:
1st Place: $100.00
2nd Place: $75.00
3rd Place: $50.00
4th Place: $25.00
• In addition, first place student’s teacher will receive a $100.00 to use for their classroom.
*Winners and their teachers will be notified by e-mail or phone.
Essay competition winners, up to two RSVP'd guests and their teachers will be invited to attend the Muskegon County Bar Association Law Day Luncheon on Friday, May 1, 2026 at the Muskegon Country Club (Event details forthcoming).
Speech Prompt:
“The Rule of Law and the American Dream” — How does the rule of law make it possible for individuals and communities in America to pursue their dreams, and what happens when the rule of law is not upheld? How do laws help ensure that people have equal opportunities to succeed? Why is it important that laws apply equally to everyone, including those in power?
In your speech, reflect on the connection between justice, equality, and opportunity, and share your thoughts on why the rule of law is essential for protecting freedoms, rights, and the pursuit of the American Dream — both today and for future generations
GR. 9-11 SPEECH COMPETITION APPLICATION
GR. 12 SPEECH COMPETITION APPLICATION
Speech Competition Event: May 1st, 2026 at the Muskegon County Courthouse
Arrival time 8:30am; Speeches begin at 9:00am
*9th-11th Speech Competition Location - (Courthouse floor and room number TBD)
*12th Gr. Speech Competition Location - (Courthouse floor and room number TBD)
Awards for 9th - 11th Grade Winners are as follows:
1st Place: $500.00
2nd Place: $250.00
3rd Place: $100.00
4th Place: $75.00
EACH SCHOOL IS LIMITED TO ONE STUDENT PER GRADE LEVEL(9 - 11), OR MAXIMUM OF THREE STUDENTS. *The Law Day committee retains discretion to allow more participants.
TEACHERS: Please submit any questions and the application with the names of your final three students to: Vee Boeringa boeringavi@co.muskegon.mi.us by April 17th, 2026 at 5pm.
Awards for 12th Grade Speech Contest Winners are as follows:
1st Place: $2,000.00 Scholarship
2nd Place: $1,000.00 Scholarship
3rd Place: $500.00 Scholarship
4th Place: $250.00 Scholarship
EACH SCHOOL IS LIMITED TO TWO 12th GRADE STUDENTS.
*The Law Day committee retains discretion to allow more participants.
TEACHERS: Please submit any questions and the application with the names of your final two students to: Vee Boeringa boeringavi@co.muskegon.mi.us by April 17th, 2026 at 5pm.
Speech competition participants, two RSVP'd guests and their teachers will be invited to attend the Muskegon County Bar Association Law Day Luncheon on Friday, May 1, 2026 at the Muskegon Country Club (Event details forthcoming).
Each year, during the Muskegon County Law Day competition luncheon, the Law Day Committee presents the Golden Apple Award to a teacher who has made outstanding contributions to law-related education. The competition and recognition luncheon will be May 1st, 2026 at the Muskegon Country Club.
CRITERIA:
The Golden Apple Award is awarded to teachers whose programs and activities have...
1. Furthered the understanding of students as to the role of the courts, the law enforcement agencies and the legal profession in our society,
2. Helped students to recognize their duties as well as their rights,
3. Encouraged effective law-related education programs in their schools and communities, and
4. Increased communication between students, educators and those involved professionally in the legal system.
*Note: Nominations for the Golden Apple Award can come from any school official, school staff member, student or community member who is closely associated with Golden Apple Award criteria-related work the nominee is involved with.
Elementary Art Winner 2024
Speech Competition at the Muskegon Co. Courthouse
