Civics education makes it possible for young people to become knowledgeable citizens who understand and participate in our democracy. So we are extremely pleased to have had so many students take part in the 2017 Ninth Circuit Civics Contest.
The theme of this year’s contest was “Not to Be Forgotten: Legal Lessons of the Japanese Internment.” Students were challenged to write an essay or produce a short video focusing on the incarceration of Japanese-American citizens at the outset of World War II and its relevance today as our government seeks to protect the nation from terrorism.
We received more than 940 essays and almost 100 videos from students living in every district in the circuit. As one of the judges in the final round, I can tell you the competition was fierce. We were all greatly impressed with the quality and depth of the writing and the talent and creativity displayed in the videos.
Most satisfying, I think, is that, for whatever amount of time, every contestant was actively engaged in thinking about the rule of law and role of the courts during times of uncertainty.
The winner of the essay contest was Olivia Tafs, 15, an incoming sophomore at West
Anchorage High School in Anchorage, Alaska. She plays tennis and the cello, enjoys science and orchestra classes, competes in debates, and hopes to eventually become an astronaut.
The video winner was Joshua Riel, 18, who recently graduated from the Las Vegas Academy of the Arts with a major in orchestra. Joshua, who plays the double bass, has performed with Nevada’s All-State Orchestra the past four years, sitting as first chair the last three years. He will be attending the University of Nevada, Las Vegas, in the fall and plans to study business management and music.
I look forward to meeting both students at the Ninth Circuit Judicial Conference, where Olivia will read her winning essay and Joshua will display his winning video during the opening session.
I also look forward to participating in a special supplemental conference program focusing on civics education. At the behest of Chief Judge Thomas, all of the districts are sending representatives to the session, which features a high-powered panel discussion of the state of civics education nationally, followed by a “showcase” of civics programs being undertaken by our courts, often with the support of the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts. Justice Kennedy and Judge Thomas are among the panelists.
The showcase segment is expected to focus on several types of programs, including teachers’ institutes, which is the subject of an article elsewhere in this newsletter.
Civics education is needed now more than ever. Here in the Ninth Circuit, it’s heartening to see that so many judges, lawyers and court staff are stepping up to do their parts.