Judges encourage students to learn about legal system BY CLARE MARIE CELANO Staff Writer The Superior Court of New Jersey, Monmouth Vicinage and the Monmouth Bar Association conducted their annual Law Day ceremony on May 1 at the Hall of Records on East Main Street, Freehold. The Monmouth Vicinage, like communities across the nation, commemorated Law Day using this year's theme, "Liberty Under Law: Empowering Youth, Assuring Democracy." The ceremony, coordinated by Court Executive Carmen Flores, marked the 50th anniversary of Law Day, which celebrates the nation's heritage of liberty, justice and equality under the law. The purpose of the program, according to Superior Court Assignment Judge Lawrence M. Lawson, is to "impart our knowledge and make sure our voices are heard. Lawson said Monmouth County offers guidance and many programs for its youth. "We provide tours and students are always welcome in our courtrooms to observe the process," Lawson said, adding that judges are happy to address students. "We are always concerned with the welfare of our youth, which we consider particularly important. There is so much that can be done for our youth." New Jersey Supreme Court Chief Justice James R. Zazzali delivered Law Day remarks by videotape. Zazzali said May 1 has been set aside to honor the law in America. "No matter what our differences are, we are united and enjoy the same protection under the law," he said. Zazzali told the students who were on hand for the event that they all had the right to be safe in their homes, safe in their schools and that they had the right to learn and to grow under the law. He said the county courts play an important role in providing those things. "We must protect our children," he said, because they are the most vulnerable members of society. "We cannot afford to make the mistake of thinking that we are all safe from those who would threaten us," he said, adding that democracy is a "dynamic living society" and noting that the courts work to improve the lives of citizens. Zazzali encouraged the students to get involved and to learn as much as they can about the law. The program's keynote speaker, New Jersey Supreme Court Justice Roberto A. Rivera-Soto, provided a history of Law Day, noting it began in 1958 during President Dwight D. Eisenhower's administration. All members of the legal profession were encouraged to participate in ceremonies across the nation. Rivera-Soto said everyone must learn from their past mistakes. "Man is the only animal who trips over the same stone twice," he said, then added, "look back before you look forward. Our job is to better ourselves and act as stewards to ensure that all those who come after us understand the trust that has been passed on to them." Rivera-Soto said the law system sees children as the hope for the future and that the judges commit themselves to believing that those who follow them will ensure that the nation's laws remain safe. Following the remarks, awards presented to area students for a poster contest and an essay contest. Retired state Supreme Court Judge Daniel J. O'Hern, presented awards to Colts Neck High School students for winning this year's Monmouth County High School Mock Trial Competition. The winners in the poster contest for grades K-2 were: Therese Kavtaradze, Lake Como, first place; Amelia Carlson, Wall, second place; Patrick McHugh, Avon, third place. The winners in the poster contest for grades 3-5 were: Diana Reyes, Freehold Borough, first place; Danielle Brex, Howell, second place; and Dominika Rybaltowski, Howell, third place. Winners in the essay contest for grades 6-8 were: Christian Phipps, Spring Lake Heights, first place: Ali Hashimee, second place; and Justin Nguyen, third place. Winners in the essay contest for grades 9-12 were: Alyssa Gallipani, first place; Evan Johnson, Freehold, second place; and Katie Fitzgerald, Wall, third place. A Law Informational Fair will be held at the Monmouth County Courthouse, Monument Street, Freehold, from 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. May 11. The event is open to the public. Seminars on court topics, courthouse tours and an "Ask a Lawyer," program will be part of the event. A Legal Expo will be held at the Freehold Raceway Mall, Route 9, Freehold Township, from noon to 4 p.m. May 12. The expo will include an exhibit with information about court services, employment and volunteer opportunities.