By Kimberly Hopson
L’Observateur

EDGARD – The 40th Judicial District Court hosted its annual Law Day Celebration Friday in Edgard.
This year’s Law Day theme was “Safe St. John: Playing Your Part in the Fight against Violent Crime in St. John Parish.” The event provided an opportunity for the youth of St. John the Baptist Parish to get involved in the fight against violent crime in our community. Each May, the 40th Judicial District Court observes Law Day to commemorate the rule of law, the judiciary and its place in American society.  
Various community leaders participated  in the program, including St. John the Baptist Parish Sheriff Michael Tregre and Parish President Natalie Robottom and Judges Mary Becnel, Sterling Snowdy, Madeline Jasmine and Jude Gravois. The audience of sixth- to eighth-graders were treated to speeches by public figures such as Nghana Gauff, attorney-at-law, Raffeal Neal, St. John juvenile probation officer, and Megan M. Siebenkittel of Crimestoppers.
One of the highlights of the program came when the essay contest winners were announced. The theme of the contest was “What can we do to eliminate violent crime in St. John the Baptist Parish.” The essays were required to be at least 500 words in length. The first-prize winner received a $100 cash prize. Second and third places received $75 and $50, respectively. Kevin Williams of LaPlace Elementary came in first place, second place was John Gayden, also of LaPlace Elementary, and third place went to Hoa Nguyen of Our Lady of Grace Catholic School. Turn to page 4B to read the winning essays.