Search

MBA to celebrate Law Day with high school video essay contest

Issue February 2010 By Jennifer Rosinski

In celebration of Law Day this May, the Massachusetts Bar Association is holding a video essay contest open to Massachusetts high school students. Contestants will compete for scholarships by submitting videos on the subject of "Diversity in the Law."

The contest asks high school students to create original videos up to three minutes in length that illustrate diversity in the law in Massachusetts.

"We chose Diversity in the Law as our theme because it likely means different things to different people. We are excited to review the submissions of the various interpretations of this year's theme," said Norfolk Probate and Family Court Associate Justice Angela M. Ordoñez, co-chair of the MBA Diversity Task Force, which is providing funding for the winning scholar-ships.

"The contest is a wonderful opportunity for students to expound upon their understanding and interpretation of the law," said Marc C. Laredo, who serves as co-chair of the MBA Law Day Committee with Michael P. Sams.

"Far too often, youth are not exposed to the legal community's role in society until late teenage years or beyond. This contest will be a positive introduction for many," added Sams.

A panel of four judges, including MBA President Valerie A. Yarashus and Ordoñez, will select the winning entries based on originality, creativity, adherence to the theme and overall quality. The following scholarships will be awarded: $1,000 for 1st place, $500 for 2nd place and $250 for honorable mention.

All three winners and their families will be invited to attend a special ceremony during the MBA's House of Delegates meeting at the Hilton Hotel in Dedham on May 19 where the videos will be shown.