In commemoration of Law Day, the Courts, Community, and Rule of Law Committee of the Third Circuit Court of Appeals hosted an essay contest for fourth, fifth, sixth and seventh grade students within the Third Circuit, which is comprised of Delaware, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. The District of Delaware invited schools throughout all three counties in the District to submit class essays on the topic, “Does the United States Constitution address the grievances in the Declaration of Independence? If so, explain how.” The essays were evaluated by a panel of Judges on the District and Bankruptcy Courts for focus, content development, organization and style.
Winning submissions were selected from the following schools: Ms. Vanessa Gallaher’s fourth grade class from the Bayard School, Tyneera Duffy-West Individual Student Submission from Mrs. Suzanne Throckmorton’s 7th grade class at Laurel Middle School; and tied for 3rd Place Greyson Gianacopolis and Safa Zohabe Individual Student Submission from Mrs. Suzanne Throckmorton’s 7th grade class at Laurel Middle School.
On April 27, 2026, the District Court of the District of Delaware held a public ceremony in Magistrate Judge Christopher Burke’s courtroom in the J. Caleb Boggs Federal Building where the students read their respective winning essays. Magistrate Judge Christopher Burke was joined by Bankruptcy Judge J. Kate Stickles, Magistrate Judge Sherry Fallon and District Judge Jennifer Hall for the Law Day Celebration. The Judges presented congratulatory remarks to the students on the excellent quality of the submissions and the impressive presentations by the student speakers. All essay submissions were outstanding and reflected the thoughtfulness and effort the students and teachers dedicated to this contest.
