From Saint Matthew School
Three of Tyrone’s Saint Matthew School students were selected as winners in the 2026 Law Day Poster Contest sponsored by the Blair County Bar Association and 250 Commission.
Ryleigh Musselman was awarded First Place for Third Grade entries with Linkai Hawthorne receiving second place and Myria Wilson receiving Second Place in the Second-Grade category.
The Poster Contest was open to all Blair County students in grades kindergarten through five.
The poster had to interpret the theme “What Does America Mean to You?” and be no larger than 12 inches by 18 inches and be an original work that did not use Generative AI. Musselman’s first place design featured an outline of Mount Rushmore filled in with an image of the American Flag and the word FREEDOM.
“America means freedom to me. We’re free,” explained winner Ryleigh Musselman. ” It means everything to me. I wanted to show that in my drawing.”
Linkai Hawthorne, who received second place, built his drawing around the Liberty Bell.
“In the middle was the Liberty Bell with a big American flag behind it,” Hawthorne explained. “America means freedom and that we have to take care of our country, so we stay free and our flag stays big.”
“There was an eagle with the word freedom in the middle of my poster,” shared second grader Mireya Wilson. “Beside it was the Statue of Liberty with flowers around it and a blue background. It showed that we have liberty in our country and are free to do anything like worship God.”
“We are so proud of our students and appreciative to the Bar Association and 250 Commission,” said Second Grade teacher Marjorie Frank. “This program, and especially this year’s theme, goes perfectly with the strong civics curriculum we have at the school and provided all the students the chance to really think about why we need to celebrate this great country.”
The winning posters were placed on display in the Blair County Courthouse, and the artists received a certificate and gift card. Additional information on the winning students can be viewed on the Saint Matthew School Facebook page stmatthewschooltyrone.
