[Wistv Columbia South Carolina., August 25, 2011] – More than 100 high school students from communities throughout South Carolina will get a compelling look at national history live from the floor of the South Carolina State House during the 3rd annual James Otis Lecture: Constitution Day Event.
The event is Friday, September 16, 2011 from 11:00 a.m. until 1:00 p.m., with a reception following. The program will focus on “South Carolina’s Role in Drafting the United States Constitution.”
The lecture is named after James Otis, Jr., who was one of the most influential lawyers in American history. Every high school in the state is invited to send two students as a prominent “James Otis Scholar.” For the first time this year, 12 spots have been reserved for students who are home schooled.
Last year, the Honorable Matthew J. Perry joined Palmetto State high school students for the Constitution Day Observance. The Civil Rights leader and American Bar Association Thurgood Marshall award recipient inspired students in one of his last appearances at the State House before his passing in July.
Collins & Lacy, P.C. founding partner Joel Collins and others with the South Carolina Chapter of the American Board of Trial Advocates (ABOTA) Foundation started the program in 2009 with an emphasis on educating young people.
“The lecture is designed to acknowledge the wisdom, courage, mistakes and successes of our predecessors who made critical contributions to develop our country’s right of self government and preservation of individual liberties,” says Collins.
Did you know federal law requires all schools that receive federal assistance to have a program about the Constitution on or around the anniversary date of the signing of the Constitution, which was September 17, 1787?
SCETV is planning to provide live television coverage of the 2011 Constitution Day event through its ITV program. For more information, contact Kara Gormley Meador at kmeador@collinsandlacy.com or (803) 255-0429.
