Crystal Lake Community Consolidated School District 47 recently issued the following announcement.
Munisrikar Mokkala, 8th grader at Hannah Beardsley, was named a winner of the McHenry County Bar Association’s 2021 Law Day essay contest.
Every year in recognition of the American Bar Association’s Law Day, the McHenry County Bar Association hosts an essay contest for students in grades 6-8 in McHenry County. This year’s Law Day theme was Advancing the Rule of Law Now, and the topic prompt was By Executive Orders, Governor J.B. Pritzker has temporarily changed our normal way of life: Remote schooling, social distancing, mask wearing, restaurant and movie shut-downs, and limited gatherings, including worship services and sports/recreation. In regard to one of those issues, how can I promote the Rule of Law in my own life?
Mokkala entered the contest this year in Lynette Fennell’s social studies class. In 800 words or less, students were charged with taking a stand on this topic through persuasive writing, making a case for how they can promote this law in their own lives.
“This was a fun and more challenging experience,” he said. “I saw this contest as an opportunity for someone my age to share their views during the pandemic.”
In his essay, Mokkala focused on how he can follow covid guidelines and prevent himself and others around him from getting the virus. Precautions mentioned included having a face mask available at all times; trying to stay at least six feet away from other people/reminding those who get too close to step away; and using hand sanitizer frequently.
“I have been trying and am to a certain level successful in following the new laws even though they are challenging,” said Mokkala. “As a student I want to encourage my friends to be responsible and to follow all the covid-19 guidelines.”
Mokkala thinks that the pandemic has taught mankind a number of lessons, one being that we should be ready for the unpredictable future and try to adopt new ways for our survival. “We can overcome covid-like situations when every individual contributes their efforts. Government policies or laws alone cannot change the scenario. Every individual must take it up as their responsibility to adapt the laws passed by the government for the welfare of the nation and its people.”
As a remote student this year, Mokkala claims the most challenging part has been concentrating during class and staying focused. “I’ve learned to work a little bit harder. I still have the same goals and I have to achieve them, even though things might be a little different.”
Mokkala’s goals are to continue getting good grades. He will be a freshman at Prairie Ridge High School next year and is excited about the clubs and activities he’ll be able to participate in, especially Science Olympiad. He has been part of the Science Olympiad team at Hannah Beardsley for the past three years. He loves science and math and intends to pursue a medical career as a cardio surgeon.
Law Day essay contest winners read portions of their essays at an annual Law Day ceremony and luncheon held Friday, May 7th in McHenry. Each student received a $100 check and a certificate.
About Law Day
Law Day was established in 1958 by President Dwight D. Eisenhower to strengthen the country’s heritage of liberty, justice, and equality under law. Law Day activities commemorate the legal process that has contributed to the freedoms all Americans share. Today many local bar and legal education associations use Law Day as a legal education tool, particularly for students.
Original source can be found here.
Source: Crystal Lake Community Consolidated School District 47
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