Two Tyler ISD elementary students received a big surprise today as representatives from the Smith County Bar Foundation visited their campuses to present awards for their winning entries in the 2025 Elementary Law Day Poster Contest.
Students from Caldwell Arts Academy and Austin Elementary School were recognized for their exceptional artwork reflecting this year’s Law Day theme, “The Constitution’s Promise: Out of One, Many.” The theme encouraged students to explore how the rule of law helps bridge differences and bring people together as a united nation.
Buddy Moore, a kindergartener at Caldwell Arts Academy, received a $50 gift card and certificate presented by the Smith County Bar Foundation for his artwork titled “Free to be U.S.” Buddy’s poster highlights the First Amendment’s freedom of religion and celebrates the right to worship freely in a diverse nation.
Zion Lawson, a second-grade student at Austin Elementary School, received a $100 gift card and certificate from the Smith County Bar Foundation for placing first and advanced to the State Bar of Texas Law Day competition, where she placed second at the state level in the kindergarten through second-grade category.
Zion’s poster titled “14th Amendment: Equal in the Eyes of the Law” demonstrated originality and creativity by highlighting the Fourteenth Amendment of the United States Constitution and drawing outstanding individuals who have impacted our country.
“This recognition not only celebrates the talent of these young artists but also emphasizes the importance of civic education in our schools,” said Amy Ames, representative of the Smith County Bar Association and Foundation. “We’re proud to support future leaders like Buddy and Zion.”
For more information, contact Jennifer Hines at Jennifer.Hines@TylerISD.org.