Congratulations to the Winners of the 2025 Law Day Essay Contest
The South Carolina Bar Senior Lawyers Division is proud to announce the winners of the 2025 Honorable J. Mark Hayes II Law Day Essay Contest. Please join us in congratulating these outstanding students for their thoughtful and inspiring essays.
This year’s theme, “The Constitution’s Promise: Out of Many, One,” celebrates the unifying power of the Constitution and the shared civic responsibilities that bind us together. Students were asked to reflect on the phrases “We the People” and “E Pluribus Unum” in essays of 1,000 words or fewer. All submissions were blind-graded by volunteer members of the South Carolina Circuit Judiciary.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to all students who participated and express our sincere appreciation to the dedicated teachers who supported this meaningful project.
Overall Best Essay Writer
Gabriela Santana
Byrnes High School, Duncan
Teacher: Dr. Susanne Cash
Essay Title: We the Voices
Gabriela and her family will be honored guests at the SC Bar’s annual convention in Savannah, Georgia, where she will receive a $1,000 award and recognition for her exceptional work.
Grade-Level Best Essay Writers
12th Grade
Isabella Sarvis
Byrnes High School, Duncan
Teacher: Dr. Susanne Cash
Essay Title: Women No Longer Sidelined
11th Grade
Melissa Chanes
Dorman High School, Roebuck
Teacher: Chris Smutzer
Essay Title: A Quilt of Unity
10th Grade
Aiza Soherwardy
Dorman High School, Roebuck
Teacher: Chris Smutzer
Essay Title: An Ode to Democracy
9th Grade
Alice McKinnon Burchett
Spartanburg County Early College High School, Spartanburg
Teacher: Dr. Claretta Kerns
Essay Title: The Constitution’s Broken Promises
Each grade-level winner will receive a $500 award and certificate presented by Judge Hayes.
Essay Writers of Distinction
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Darren Carter, Bamberg-Ehrhardt High School, Bamberg
Teacher: Rodney Labaro
Essay Title: All for One, One for All -
Gianna Delucca, Landrum High School, Campobello-Landrum
Teacher: Beth Henson
Essay Title: Challenges to Unity: Overcoming Political Polarization -
Tyne Knopp, Spartanburg County Early College High School, Spartanburg
Teacher: James Newell
Essay Title: Power of Unity in American History -
Victory Masai, South Carolina Early College High School, Spartanburg
Teacher: Lyndsey Williams
Essay Title: Constitutional Continuity: Protecting Civil Rights in Emerging Technologies -
Nila Radfar, Dorman High School, Roebuck
Teacher: Chris Smutzer
Essay Title: Pledging Our Respect for a United Democracy -
Hadley Robinson, Landrum High School, Campobello-Landrum
Teacher: Beth Henson
Essay Title: A More Perfect Union: Improving Unity Through Connectivity -
Bryson Stewart, Woodruff High School, Woodruff
Teacher: Christie Anderson
Essay Title: One -
William Silas West, Spartanburg Day School, Spartanburg
Teacher: Amanda McGrath
Essay Title: United in Spirit, Divided in Action -
William Womick, Dorman High School, Roebuck
Teacher: Chris Smutzer
Essay Title: The Foundation of a Great Nation -
Lilian Young, Spartanburg County Early College High School, Spartanburg
Teacher: Dr. Claretta Kerns
Essay Title: Issues and Solutions
Each Essay Writer of Distinction will receive a certificate from Judge Hayes in recognition of their achievement.
Stay tuned for the announcement of the 2026 Law Day theme!
