LIHU‘E — The eighth grade students at Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School made history on Friday when the students were given the opportunity to view their artwork to the first Law Day art contest coordinated by the Fifth Circuit Courthouse.
Law Day, which takes place on May 1, celebrates the country’s commitment to the role of law in American society.
The Fifth Circuit Law Day Art Contest is a part of the Hawai‘i judiciary’s commemoration of Law Day. It also follows up on the earlier visit by Family Court Judge Gregory Meyers to the eighth grade class as part of the national judiciary’s outreach program.
“When I first saw the poster, I did not see the part that said the contest was for O‘ahu schools, only,” said CKMS art instructor Sarah Kern.
“I distributed the flier to the other art teachers who brought the oversight to my attention. I called Judge Meyers who had earlier visited the eight grade class and he said the courthouse could handle this.”
Students who opted to participate submitted artwork on 8.5 x 11 poster paper with the theme of this year’s Law Day — The Rule of Law and Lady Justice.
Judge Meyers said he modeled the Fifth Circuit art contest similar to what they do on O‘ahu. He felt this was an appropriate follow up to his earlier visits to the middle school classrooms by having the students visit the courthouse where their art submissions would be on display.
But it’s not an art contest without winners.
Alyssa Agpaoa earned first place from the courthouse judges for her rendering of Lady Justice in pencil that sneaks a peek from under her blindfold.
Cindy Lin’s second place Lady Justice had hints of the U.S. Constitution forming her base. “Everyone is Equal” fueled the third place entry penned by Pohai Kaupu Brown.
All winners received gift bags prepared by the Fifth Circuit Courthouse. The bags included certificates of achievement and gift cards.
The Chiefess Kamakahelei Middle School art students, under direction of instructor Leslie Frazier are currently hosting the CKMS Art Show at the Kaua‘i Society of Artists gallery in Kukui Grove Center through the end of the week.
Viewing is available from noon to 6 p.m., daily, at no charge.
