PORT ST. LUCIE — Creativity met civics as students and residents gathered April 28 for a Law Day celebration and art contest centered on this year’s theme, “The Rule of Law and the American Dream.”
Held at the Paula A. Lewis Library, the event invited participants to explore constitutional principles and shared values through artistic expression.
This year’s St. Lucie Law Day theme encouraged participants to consider how the rule of law supports opportunity and fairness — key elements of the American dream — while showcasing their interpretations through artwork displayed during the event.
An art contest for students in kindergarten through eighth grade was presented by the Friends of the Rupert J. Smith Law Library, Inc. and Cunzo Law Group, with posters showcasing colorful and creative expressions of their ideas.
Special recognition awards were presented to two young women whose community work exemplifies how the rule of law supports opportunity and fairness. Honored for their contributions were Chloe Tucker of Fort Pierce and Dallana Estrada of the St. Lucie Clerk of the Court’s Office.
Tucker established and maintains a food pantry for those in need in her Lakewood Park neighborhood.
Estrada was recognized for her service to Hispanic residents, helping ensure they are treated fairly within the court system.
Wnners of this year’s art contest are Lema Toom, 1st place, Grades K-2; Isabella Francois, 2nd place, Grades K-2; Zebediah Begeansma, 3rd place, Grades K-2; Juliana Ramirez, 1st place, Grades 3-5; Adeline Lozado Palau, 2nd place, Grades 3-5; Amalia Agahro, 3rd Place, Grades 3-5; Sophia Domena, 1st place, Grades 6-8; Carleigh Crooks, 1st place, Grade 9-12.
Organizers said the annual event provides a meaningful opportunity for dialogue between students and adults, encouraging participants to reflect on the rights, freedoms and responsibilities that shape American life.
n attendance and participating in the program were the Hon. Charles Schwab, Chief Justice of the 19th Judicial Circuit Court; Michelle Miller, Clerk of the Court and Comptroller for St. Lucie County; Denise Rodriguez, Executive Director, St. Lucie Public Schools’ Office of Teaching and Learning; and Kim Cunzo of Cunzo Law Group.
Convening the celebration was Evett Simmons, Esq., managing partner of Simmons, Finney and Winnfield, LLC.
Community members who attended were able to view the student submissions, engage in conversation about civic ideals and celebrate the role of law in everyday life
Keynote speaker was the Hon. Robert E. Stone, Circuit Judge, 19th Judicial Circuit Court.
The idea of Law Day dates back to 1957, when the American Bar Association proposed a national day to celebrate the rule of law. In 1961, Congress established it through a joint resolution, calling it “a special celebration by the people of the United States.”
The resolution outlined several goals: to foster appreciation for the nation’s liberties, reaffirm loyalty to the United States, rededicate the ideals of liberty and justice under law, and promote respect for the legal system.