Explore Civics with the Supreme Court of PA Historical Commission

As the nation marks America’s 250th birthday, Pennsylvania students are invited to join the celebration while learning about the work and role of the courts with the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania Historical Commission.

Through its focus on the importance of civics education, the Supreme Court Historical Commission has launched a series of contest opportunities for students, aimed at helping students expand their knowledge about the work and the role of the state court system. 

Both contests are free and open to Pennsylvania students in public, private, charter, cyber-charter and home school settings. The deadline for entries is April 24, 2026.

The coloring contest is open to all students ages 5-11 and will give young students the opportunity to create their own judge. After printing the cartoon judge cutouts, students can choose which judge they want to color and design using their creativity as their guide.

Students and parents are encouraged to submit photo entries on Instagram by tagging @pennsylvaniacourts or by mail, following the instructions outlined below.

The essay contest is open to all students in grades 3 through 12, with essays being judged on creativity, overall quality and adherence to the questions:

• Question (Grades 3-5) – Why is the Supreme Court of Pennsylvania important?
• Question (Grades 6-12) – Which Pennsylvania Supreme Court Justice inspires you and why?

Winners will be honored during the Supreme Court’s May oral argument session at the Capitol!

Essay entries can be submitted by email to CommunicationsOffice@pacourts.us or by mail to:

AOPC Communications
c/o Stacey Witalec
601 Commonwealth Ave.
Harrisburg, Pa 17106

If submitting by mail, entrants should include the following information on a separate piece of paper: full name, school name, city, state, phone number, email (if applicable), teacher name and teacher email (if applicable).

For additional information, please visit the PA Courts Student Contests webpage.