Foundation Facts - Nebraska State Bar Foundation

Foundation Facts

May 2011

Nebraska State Bar Foundation

635 S. 14th Street, Suite 120

Lincoln, Nebraska 68508

May is a month filled with celebrations of all types. It also brings the annual focus on Law Day, a day set aside in 1958 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower for the purpose of celebrating our freedoms and paying attention to the concept of liberty under law.

Annually, the Foundation and the Nebraska Supreme Court cooperate to sponsor events that give Nebraska students the opportunity to experience Law Day. Students in grades 8 through 12 are invited to participate in the Law Day Essay Contest, while fifth graders around the state experience Law Day Job Shadowing.

It is my pleasure to bring you stories of Nebraska students and their involvement with Law Day 2011.

Cordially,

Doris

Doris Huffman

Executive Director

Law Day Essay Contest Winners Honored
8th - 12th Grade Writers Recognized

Contest Winners with Chief Justice Heavican and Kile Johnson

The Foundation and the Nebraska Supreme Court honored the winners of the 12th Annual Law Day Essay Contest at a recognition luncheon in Lincoln on May 2.

The winning writers all agreed that the Nebraska Legislature should take some type of action to protect students from cyberbullying. Most acknowledged the seriousness of cyberbullying by referring to student suicides that have occurred as a result of the student being bullied. One writer referenced a personal experience of being cyberbullied, while another stated, "there needs to be a way to create an environment where students feel safe to speak up about bullying."

These are the 2011 contest winners:

Grade 8 Makala Michka Stuart Public

Grade 9 Addie Curley Marian, Omaha

Grade 10 Holly Green Northwest, Grand Island

Grade 11 Yan (Cassie) Jia Westside, Omaha

Grade 12 Erik Prieto Lyons-Decatur Northeast

See more Law Day photos on the Foundation's web site.

Law Day Discussion with Professor Mike Fenner and Clarence Mock
Issue of Cyber-bullying vs. First Amendment Rights

Professor Fenner and Clarence Mock Prepare in Media Room

Following the May 2 Law Day luncheon, Professor Mike Fenner, Creighton School of Law, and Oakland, Nebraska attorney Clarence Mock discussed the issue of protection from cyber-bullying vs. First Amendment Rights. In addition to luncheon guests attending the session in person, students of teacher Ken Meyers at Wilcox-Hildreth High School participated via distance learning technology. The program originated from the Media Room at the Nebraska Schools Activities Association building in Lincoln.

Kris Covi, McGrath North representative, presents scholarship to Holly Green

McGrath North Scholarship Winner Named
To Attend National Student Leadership Conference

Holly Green, a tenth grader at Northwest High School in Grand Island, is this year's winner of the most generous scholarship donated by the Omaha law firm of McGrath North Mullin & Kratz. The award was made at the Law Day luncheon on May 2. Holly will be attending the Mastering Leadership session on the Berkley University campus this summer. The Foundation gratefully acknowledges the McGrath North law firm for providing the National Student Leadership Conference scholarship to a Law Day Essay Contest winner each year since 2006.

Law Day Job Shadowing Reaches Out to 5th Graders for 10th Year
Encourages Students to Work Hard and Stay
in School

Pawnee County Clerk Magistrate LaRita Weber prepares treats for 5th Graders

Since 2003, judges and other court personnel have been serving in the roles of local coordinators for statewide Law Day Job Shadowing, a program cosponsored with the Nebraska Supreme Court.

This year, Job Shadowing activities took place at courthouses and law firms in Chappell, Kearney, Kimball, Neligh, O'Neill, Pawnee City, Stanton, Wayne, Wilber, and Winnebago. The Bar Foundation sincerely thanks the dedicated local coordinators and the lawyers and judges who host the students. It is estimated that more than 3,000 students have taken part in the program.

Planning for Future of Mock Trial Program
Ad Hoc Committee To Be Created

Judge Strom and I have visited about having a long-range planning session with regard to Mock Trial. If you would be interested in serving on an Ad Hoc committee, please contact me at my

email address.

Vol-un-teer - noun

Foundation Creates Volunteer Recognition

Web Page

A volunteer is a person who undertakes or expresses a willingness to undertake a service. The Nebraska State Bar Foundation is extremely indebted to the individuals who give their time, gifts, knowledge and energy to ensure the success of all of its' Law-Related Education (LRE) programs. Please view the new tab on our website that recognizes the Mock Trial volunteers. It is our goal to expand this page to include all of the Foundation's volunteers.

Fellows Nominations Being Accepted
Deadline Is June 15

It is through the generous support of its Fellows that the Foundation is able to provide Law-Related Education (LRE) programs for Nebraska youth. Fellows are essential to the success of the invaluable LRE offerings of the Foundation. All members of the Fellows classes are nominated for their integrity and character, legal expertise, public service and efforts to improve the legal system.

Would you please take a moment to nominate a friend, colleague, or peer whom you believe is worthy of your recommendation. Nomination form online.

About the Foundation
Nebraska State Bar Foundation
635 S. 14th Street, Suite 120
Lincoln, Nebraska 68508
Nebraska State Bar Foundation