Three Village 5th Grader Places In National Essay Contest

SETAUKET, NY — Holden Cone, a fifth-grader at Minnesauke Elementary School, was named the third-place winner in the elementary school category for the National Center for State Court’s 2021 Civics Education Essay Contest, the Three Village Central School District announced.

This year's contest drew 1,826 entries. Holden’s entry was selected as a finalist by Texas Chief Justice Nathan Hecht and Colorado Justice Richard Gabriel.

The annual contest aims to educate the public on how law and the legal process protect society. Presented by the National Center for State Courts, the contest honors Law Day.

Holden penned an essay in response to the prompt, "what does the rule of law mean to you?" in 100 words or less.

Below is Holden's entry:

"The rule of law means different things to different people, but to me, it means there are
boundaries that people cannot overstep and if they do, they will face the consequences of their actions. Laws are not meant to restrict, they are meant to protect us and make us safer. Without law there would be no order and no rules. No one is above the law, as the laws apply to everyone. I think laws are important to keep us safe and help us."