Members of the legal establishment and educators encouraged young students to aspire to higher ideals and never let go of their dreams.
The Lackawanna Bar Association organized festivities outside the Lackawanna County Courthouse on Friday to coincide with other gatherings across the country celebrating Law Day, officially held on May 1, and its theme this year, "Realizing the Dream: Equality for All."
Law Day sprung from a proclamation issued by President Dwight D. Eisenhower in 1958 and a resolution passed by Congress in 1961 declaring May 1 a day to reflect on the role of law in America.
Local students from elementary to high school grades enjoyed a rare opportunity to meet federal and county judges and a number of members of the area's legal community.
President Judge Thomas J. Munley lightened the mood with what otherwise could have turned into a lofty discussion on the ideals of law and order. Taking the podium, Judge Munley asked the children what do you call the president judge of Lackawanna County.
Judge Terrence Nealon calls him "crazy," Judge Munley said, drawing a big laugh from the children and dozens gathered under a tent in the shadow of the county courthouse.
Bar association members also handed out awards to students from Abington Heights High School and Carbondale Area High School for placing first and second, respectively, in the district mock trial competition.
They also gave medals to several fourth-grade students from area schools, including Riverside Elementary West, LaSalle Academy, John G. Whittier Elementary and Lackawanna Trail Elementary Center, for participating in a poster contest focused on this year's theme and sponsored by the bar association.
And, they got the chance to hear about the importance of not losing sight of your dreams and keeping true to your aspirations from the president of Lackawanna College, Mark Volk, the keynote speaker.
"Finding one's passion is the key to happiness and success," Mr. Volk said. "Without passion dreams become drudgery. ⦠When you jettison your dreams, you risk your happiness."
Contact the writer: smcconnell@timesshamrock.com, @smcconnellTT on Twitter