2026 SMBA Law Day Essay Contest for Grades 6-8

Deadline – Friday October 16, 2026, 5:00 p.m.

Theme - Semiquincentennial - Celebrating the Birth of the United States

Our Declaration of Independence is 250 years old but still resonates the founding principles of our country.  As we celebrate this milestone it is important to reflect on who, what, where, when and why our founding charters are as relevant today as they were in 1776.

Rules

• Entries must be the students' own work (no use of artificial intelligence) with a maximum length of 650 words and submitted through the web form below, before the deadline.
• Entries will be judged based on originality in interpretation of theme, clarity and discipline in writing style and strength of opening and conclusion. 
  

Prizes

First place $200, Second place $125, Third place $75 and honorarium of $50 to teacher of winning essays. Honorable mention ribbons and $10 to finalists.

All entries become the property of the SMBA and may be used by the association as it deems appropriate in its sole discretion. By entering, your copyright and all other rights, title and interest are assigned to the SMBA. Winning entries may be reproduced and published, along with the author’s name and likeness, and used in current and future law day promotions. Direct questions concerning the essay contest to info@springfieldbar.com.

DISCLAIMER: Occasionally, the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association will record its events and use those recordings for promotional purposes. Registrants, instructors, exhibitors and guests agree that they may be photographed, videotaped and/or recorded during the event, and their names and Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association without compensation and that the recorded materials are the sole property of the Springfield Metropolitan Bar Association