Law Day Essay 2025

The Law Day essay contest encourages young people to give though to current social and legal issues and to express their views on the issues. This year's topics included:

1. What amendment would you recommend to the US Constitution to make our government better serve “We the People” in the 21^st Century?

2.  What responsibility, if any, should social and other digital media sites and providers of the information being disseminated have?  Explain your reasoning.

3. Does diversity make the United States stronger?  Explain your response. 

4. California has banned legacy preferences in all private and public college admissions for applicants with alumni and donor connections.  Should Pennsylvania and other states follow suit?

Winners

1st Place.................................Lilah Van Vorst, West York Area High School, GR 10
2nd Place................................Stella McGraw, Susquehannock High School, GR 12
3rd Place............................................Cloud Duncan, Northern High School, GR 10

1st Place Essay: 

Diversity is a cornerstone of American society and is one of the country's defining characteristics. Diversity provides society with different perspectives, abilities, and backgrounds that support creative endeavors and efforts to tackle problems and without this key element the United States would not be the same strong-standing nation that it is today.

Although diversity was an ideal first established early in the United States' history, it has become a pillar that consistently supports the actions of American citizens. In York County itself, there are countless examples of diversity. The York County Pride festivities are events that take place during the month of June to recognize and celebrate the LGBTQIA+ community. These Pride festivals are a true reflection of the harmony diversity can bring as people from all walks of life come together and express their individuality while still remaining united as one collective group.

Along with uniting communities, diversity can spark change and raise awareness on important issues. Within recent years, the issue of book banning has become prominent, even emerging locally in the Central York School District. In 2020, the Central York school board voted to ban over 200 books on what was called the Diversity Resource List. These actions provoked immediate questions from the community because books that were seemingly school-appropriate, such as I am Rosa Parks, were banned. Students, teachers, and parents came together to express their disapproval of the actions of the school board by wearing black t-shirts around school buildings and organizing peaceful protests outside the Educational Service Center. Finally, after weeks of protesting the Central York School board reversed their vote to ban the books from their libraries and peace was restored. This outcome would not have been possible without people of all kinds uniting towards a common goal - to celebrate and acknowledge the strength of different perspectives and backgrounds.

Even when walking the streets of downtown York, there are signs of diversity everywhere. Small businesses occupy storefronts, murals decorate walls of buildings, and unique architecture is found throughout the area, however all of these elements would not be seen in this city without the blend of different cultures and ideas. Just in York County, there are countless situations where the variety among citizens develops a greater good. Whether it be through creating a safe space for the LGBTQIA+ community, through raising awareness on pivotal issues, or through even the simplest means of decorating the streets, diversity plays a bigger role in society than most people realize.

On a national level, these same principles apply. Differences do not have to be dividing factors but instead strengthening characteristics that unite people, fostering a space for collaboration and innovation. As American society and democracy continue to evolve, the true test will be the degree to which unity can be found through diversity. If these systems can continue to transform, then there are no limits to the strength diversity can bring to the United States.

LAW DAY Billboard 2025

This year, York County students in 6th through 8th grade were encouraged to design a billboard that encompasses the 2025 Law Day theme, "The Constitution’s Promise: Out of Many, One.” This year’s theme urges us to take pride in a constitution that bridges our differences to bring us together as a united nation. 

1st Place.....................Katherine Schiavone, Dallastown Area Middle School, GR 8
2nd Place..............................Avery Howard, Dallastown Area Middle School, GR 8
3rd Place....................................Elise Lindsey, York Suburban Middle School, GR 8

1st Place

2nd Place

3rd Place