By Amanda Pevey
Elmore Autauga News
Recently, Elmore County Law Day was held for all second grade children at the Elmore County Judicial Complex in Wetumpka. This yearly tradition is held on the third Friday in September. This makes the seventh year for this program which has grown each and every year. Every school in Elmore County is invited to come and get to watch a mock trial of Goldilocks and the Three Bears and then visit with first responders. Students created posters at their schools in honor of Law Day which were displayed in the halls of the judicial complex.
This wonderful program introduces the youth to the court system so they learn about the process. Also, the children get an added bonus by getting to know the first responders and how important they are to the community.
“We started it as an event to help make our kids aware of the court system and the different groups that are here to protect them,” said Alabama Court of Appeals Judge Bill Lewis.
He continued, “This continues to grow every year, and we try to involve as many people as possible. Wetumpka High School’s Theatre Guild had students who did a great job of bringing the Goldilocks and the Three Bears to life. The administrators did a great job playing their roles in the trial and everyone has a great time. Most importantly, the kids learn about the judicial system, different groups here to protect them and become more comfortable with the folks tasked to help them.”
A big thank you to the sponsors:
- Desirae Lewis – Lewis Lewis Law firm.
- Elmore County Commission
- Judge Bill Lewis; Civil Appeals
- First Community Bank
- River Bank & Trust
- Emergent Medical Services LLC
- Law Office of Jeffrey J. Courtney, LLC
- Ben Baxley- District Judge
- M&M Justice with Grace
- Elmore County Bar Association
- Jacqueline E. Austin and J. Pratt Austin- Trucks Attorney at Law
- RDJ Transport, LLC
- Brian Barrett, DMD
- Jetscape
With the overwhelming support of the sponsors, organizers were able to purchase T-shirts for all students at no cost to the student. They all wore the same color, purple, as a symbol of unity as each school enjoyed the day.
“I would like to give a big thank you to the Elmore County Commission, Elmore County EMA, Elmore County Facilities crew, Pratt Austin, Jenna Lewis, Corey speaks, all first responders, booth participants, and volunteers,” said Elmore County Commissioner Desirae Lewis for District 5.
She continued, “We look forward to hosting every year and a special thank you to the Elmore County Board of Education for allowing the children to participate.”
