The contest was open to Penobscot County high school students. PCBA received 58 entries from students in several different educational systems, including, Dexter Regional High School (33), Bangor High School (9), Hampden Academy (6), Brewer High School (5), John Bapst Memorial High School (2), Mattanawcook Academy (2), and Orono High School (1).

The winning essay was by Teagan Cook, a sophmore at Dexter Regional High School. Ms. Cook wrote about her view that the presumption of innocence is under attack on all sides, from teaching children not to talk to strangers, to media coverage of crimes, to stereotyping of groups.

The winning art poster was by Chelsea Kuzio, a junior at Hampden Academy. Ms. Kuzio also placed first in this category last year. Ms. Kuzio’s piece was a pencil drawing of Lady Justice balancing media and other attacks on the presumption of innocent against the role of a jury in deciding an accused’s fate.

The second place winner in the essay category was Jordan Campbell of John Bapst Memorial High School. The second place winner in the art category was Kathryn Laverdiere of Bangor High School.

The winners were honored at a ceremony and reception at the Penobscot Judicial Center on Wednesday, May 4, 2011.

The judges were the Honorable Magistrate Judge Margaret J. Kravchuk at the United States District Court; Seth D. Harrow at Vafiades Brountas & Kominsky, LLP; Heather L. Parent at Eaton Peabody; Steven J. Mogul at Gross, Minsky & Mogul, P.A.; Eugene M. Sullivan at Joseph Baldacci Law Firm; and Jennifer L. Eastman at Rudman & Winchell.

Pictured: Teagan Cook, sophomore at Dexter Regional High School