News Detail
Memorandum Regarding Pa. Courts Civics Contest For America250
Courts
March 27, 2026
President Judge Shawn D. Meyers of the Court of Common Pleas for the 39th Judicial District has issued the following memorandum:
I want to invite all students in public, private, charter, cyber-charter and home school settings to participate in two contests created by the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania Historical Commission to mark our nation’s 250th birthday. The contest celebrates our state and nation’s history, while encouraging students to learn about the work and role of the courts. Winners will be notified May 8, 2026, and recognized by the Pennsylvania Supreme Court at their May 18, 2026, oral argument session at the Capitol Building in Harrisburg.
Contest No. 1: A coloring contest open to all students ages of 5-11 and give young students the opportunity to create their own judge.
Contest No. 2: An essay contest open to all students in grades 3-12. The essays are being judged on creativity and overall quality when answering the following questions:
- Question (Grades 3-5) – Why is the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania important?
- Question (Grades 6-12) – Which Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice inspires you and why?
The full instructions for all of the contests, including the instructions to print out the judges to be used in the coloring contest, can be found at the following links:
The deadline to apply is April 24, 2026.
For additional details, visit the Pennsylvania Courts website.