KANELAND, Ill. — A poignant essay by Isabel Aguilera, a junior at Kaneland High School, has secured second place in the Law Day contest, showcasing her perspective on the rich diversity that defines America. In her piece, Aguilera likens the nation to a vibrant bouquet, emphasizing that it is not merely a collection of homogenous red roses but rather a mix of diverse flowers.
Aguilera argues that this diversity is crucial to the American identity. “An abundance of color and size captures how American society thrives,” she writes. Her reflections resonate with the theme of the 2025 American Bar Association’s Law Day: “The Constitution’s Promise: Out of Many, One.” This Latin motto, meaning “out of many, one,” symbolizes the union formed by the original 13 colonies in 1782.
The essay contest was organized by the 16th Judicial Circuit and the Kane County Bar Foundation, inviting submissions from local high school sophomores and juniors. Aguilera’s insights, along with those of five other winners, highlight the importance of unity amid diversity. She asserts, “No matter our status or beliefs, all Americans must adhere to the same fundamental laws and enjoy the same rights.”
Other winners included junior Kendall Pemberton from St. Edward Central Catholic High School in Elgin and Sonya Patel from the Illinois Math and Science Academy in Aurora. Among the winning sophomores were Kieran Grey Edwards, Sree Chitrapu, and Malyada Medikundam, also from the Illinois Math and Science Academy.
Cash prizes of $500 for first place and $250 for second and third places were awarded, funded by the Kane County Bar Foundation. The awards were presented by Circuit Judges D.J. Tegeler and Kimberly DiGiovanni at Kaneland High School.
During the ceremony, Kane County Chief Judge Robert Villa emphasized the significance of Law Day, reminding attendees of the critical role that law plays in society. “We have a duty to uphold the law with integrity,” he stated, adding that the legal profession carries an essential responsibility to educate the community about the judicial system.
Judge Villa also noted that Law Day serves as an opportunity for legal professionals to guide the public in understanding the law’s significance. “Everyone who knows you’re a lawyer or judge looks to you for guidance on the necessity of law,” he remarked.
Winning essays from the contest are available for public viewing on the 16th Judicial Circuit’s website, offering insights into the perspectives of local high school students on the foundational principles of American democracy.
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