Seventh Grader Wins NC Bar Association Essay Contest

By Senior Evie Fordham

It’s not every day that a seventh grader gets to attend a luncheon alongside some of the foremost lawyers and judges of the community and even receive an award in front of them, but Wake Christian Academy seventh grader Adam Boykin had that honor on Friday, May 1, when he attended the North Carolina Bar Association’s Law Day.

Adam won the essay contest for middle school students put on by the Young Lawyer’s Division of the NCBA.

Adam has been a Wake Christian student since kindergarten and entered the contest when middle school history teacher Paula Henson shared it with his class.

“They were to summarize their thoughts on the Magna Carta and how it impacts life today,” explained Mrs. Henson, adding that the essay prompt fit with her lesson plan because “in sixth grade they learn about the Magna Carta; in seventh grade we are studying American history — most of our laws are based on English laws [like the Magna Carta].”

Adam made use of many modern-day illustrations to show how the ideas of the Magna Carta, a charter from the year 1215 that forced the King of England to obey the country’s laws, apply in today’s world.

“I tried to make the point that no one is above the law no matter who they are with examples people would recognize, like players on a team, our school rules, the President, Lebron James, and the military,” stated Adam, “I wanted students my age to understand that the Magna Carta makes sure that no one can get by with breaking the rules or the law and that everyone is treated equally because of this law.”

Besides “getting the award,” Adam’s favorite part of attending the Law Day luncheon was “meeting… the Honorable Sammie Chess, Jr.”

The judge had been presented with the Liberty Bell Award at the luncheon, and Adam got the chance to to speak with him.

“He was the first African American to serve as Superior Court Judge in North Carolina,” recounted Adam, “He was very kind and congratulated me on my essay. He told me to focus on school and work hard. He was impressive.”

Congrats to Adam on his win!