Carver HS Student Amare’on Reyna Wins First Place in State Bar of Texas’ Law Day Contest

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Reyna and two other Carver HS students represented the Houston area at the state competition.

“58 Years and Still Dreaming” by Amare’on Reyna

Amare’on Reyna’s photograph titled “58 Years and Still Dreaming” won the State Bar of Texas’ 2021 Law Day Contest. The students’ photographs show the power of their civic voices. The Carver High School student will be recognized during the Dallas Bar Association’s virtual Law Day celebration on May 3 at noon (CST).

Each year, people across America celebrate Law Day on May 1 to honor the rule of law. It underscores how law and the legal process contribute to the freedoms that we all share and recognizes the role of courts in this democracy.

“Neglect” by Brianna Tobias

Bar associations, courts, schools, and community organizations hold Law Day programs. The events help people understand how the law keeps us free and how our legal system strives to achieve justice.

At the local level, Carver High School, for a second consecutive year, swept the Houston Bar Association’s (HBA) Law Day Contest. Students Brianna Tobias, Amare’on, and LaShawn Bolten, took first, second, and third place, respectively, in their category. 

Law Day is a national celebration of the rule of law in our society. It has been sponsored and promoted by the American Bar Association since 1961, when President Dwight Eisenhower designated it a national holiday.

This year’s theme is: “Advancing the Rule of Law Now.” The rule of law is the bedrock of American rights and liberties – in times of calm and unrest alike. The 2021 Law Day theme reminds everyone that we, the people share the responsibility to promote the rule of law, defend liberty, and pursue justice.

Entries had to be students’ original work. Photographs also had to show technical knowledge of good composition, exposure, and lighting.

Kaileigh Newman, the AISD director of visual arts, shared that photography students only had the two weeks between this Winter Storm Uri and spring break to research and enter the local contest to vie for a chance to advance to the state level. Students had to identify personal connections to instances of social injustice and coordinate photo shoots with models and props. They had to use their communication skills to talk about these complex topics using only a single still image and a title.

“Down the Pipeline” by LaShawn Bolton

“I am so proud of not only our winning participants but all of our students who were able to spring into action and produce these amazing entries,” Newman said. “Their visual art teachers are also to be lauded for enhancing students’ creative thinking and skill. The state and local contests are a wonderful opportunity for our students to showcase their talent and share their thoughts on complex topics that impact everyone’s life.” 

All three winning entries will be published to the Houston Bar Association’s website and receive a cash award.

All the HBA Law Day contest winners will be recognized at HYLA/HYLF Law Day Virtual Luncheon on May 7.

Since the start of the contest, Aldine ISD students have placed and/or advanced to the state level since 2015.