Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara Announces Winners of the Law Day 2026 Video Contest

SAN JOSÉ, CA (May 1, 2026): The Superior Court of California, County of Santa Clara, in collaboration with the Santa Clara County Bar Association (SCCBA), proudly celebrates Law Day 2026 and announces the winners of this year’s Law Day Video Contest, held under the theme “Rule of Law and the American Dream.”

This year’s theme invited youth across Santa Clara County to reflect on how the rule of law shapes opportunity, protects rights, and sustains the promise of the American Dream.

Law Day, observed annually on May 1, provides an opportunity to deepen public understanding of the legal system and inspire civic engagement. Through this contest, students in grades 6-12 explored the role of law in promoting fairness, equality, and access to justice through original video submissions. This year the students were divided between a middle school category (grades 6-8) and high school (9-12).

“The rule of law remains the promise at the heart of the American Dream,” said Commissioner Johanna Thai Van Dat. “Regardless of who you are or where you come from, justice stands above power and opportunity stands above privilege. Our students demonstrated through their work that they understand the importance of these principles and are ready to carry them forward.”

The Court is honored to recognize the outstanding achievements of the following students:

High School:

• 1st Place: James Weaver – Grade 11, Bellarmine College Preparatory
• 2nd Place: Keylee Villanueva Dominguez & Maria Gelabert – Grade 11, Henry Gunn High School
• 3rd Place: Christian Do – Grade 11, Evergreen Valley High School

Middle School:

• 1st Place: Zoe Guzman Chavez, Eliseo Machuca, Jayla Armiger, Oscar Cobian, Angeli Cortez, and Gabriella Gallegos – Grade 8, IJAVVE
• 2nd Place: Kaylee Ortiz, Aileen Ramirez, Franchesca Jimenez, and Angela Rodriguez – Grade 8, IJAVVE
• 3rd Place: Christian Buendia – Grade 8, August Boeger Middle School

All contest participants received certificates of participation, and top winners were awarded gift cards as prizes generously provided by the Santa Clara County Bar Association and the court.

The two schools with the greatest number of submissions, August Boeger and Ida Jew Academy and Valle Vista Elementary (IJJAVE) received visits from judges to recognize the contributions of the school to civic education. This local program supports Chief Justice Patricia Guerrero’s Power of Democracy Initiative, promoting civic education and engagement in students to create a greater understanding of important principles such as the rule of law, our separate but equal branches of government, the independence of the judiciary, and our democracy.

The winning entries will be featured on the Court’s website and social media platforms, showcasing the creativity, insight, and civic commitment of Santa Clara County’s youth. The views expressed in the student videos are solely those of the participants and do not represent the official position of the Court or the Santa Clara County Bar Association.

The Court extends its sincere appreciation to all participants, educators, and partners who contributed to the success of this year’s Law Day celebration.

Together, we honor the enduring importance of the rule of law and continue to inspire the next generation to uphold the principles that define our democracy.

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