As the state Supreme Court prepares to celebrate its 300th anniversary, the court is inviting students across the state to join in the occasion by participating in an essay and coloring contest.

“Recognizing the crucial role that civics education plays in the public’s understating of the judiciary, we are excited to expand our 300th celebration efforts to involve students at all grade levels,” said Chief Justice Max Baer. “The members of the Court and I look forward to hearing from students all across Pennsylvania about how they view the work and role of the court throughout our history.”

Both contests are free and open to all Pennsylvania students, including those in public, private, charter, cyber-charter or home schools. The deadline for entries is May 6.

The coloring contest is open to students ages 5 to 11 and will give them the opportunity to create their own cartoon judge.

After printing the cartoon judge cutouts, students can choose which judge they want to color using their creativity as a guide.

The essay contest is open to students in grades three through 12, with essays being judged on creativity, overall quality and adherence to the questions:

Question (Grades 3-5) – Why is the Pennsylvania Supreme Court important?

Question (Grades 6-12) – Which Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice inspires you and why?

Students and parents are encouraged to submit photo entries for the coloring contest on Twitter by tagging @PACourts and using #Supreme300, by email to CommunicationsOffice@pacourts.us or by mail to AOPC Communications, C/O Stacey Witalec, 601 Commonwealth Ave., Harrisburg, PA 17106. Essay entries should be submitted by email or mail.

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