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Pensacola, Fla. Lawyer Aaron Watson, Esq. encouraged seniors from Atmore Christian School, Escambia Academy, Escambia County High School and home school to set their minds to achieve great heights during the annual Escambia County Law Day program May 5 at the county courthouse in Brewton.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower established Law Day, which was established in 1958 to celebrate the role of law in society and the legal system.

The local program allows seniors from area schools to participate in a real criminal trial as jurors. Fourteen seniors were selected from the Atmore-area schools.

The theme of this year’s Law Day is “Moving Toward a More Perfect Union.”

Watson, who is a personal injury lawyer and speaks from a motivational standpoint, said he dreamt of being a lawyer. He didn’t come from money, being the son of a preacher and secretary.

Watson said, as humans, we can fly in other ways.

“We don’t have wings like birds, but we have something better (a brain),” he said, pointing to his head. “Scientists to this day can’t grasp what you have here.”

Watson said even though you may fly high, something down below will always keep pulling.

Watson reminded the seniors that if they can set their mind to it, they can fly themselves and be successful.

“Check your baggage at the door; you can make a change today,” he said.

Watson said a big part of one’s success is finding their gifts.

“Find a way to operate in your gift,” he said. “Don’t walk low with the foxes and snakes.”

Earlier in the program, Escambia County Bar Association President Tim Godwin welcomed the students and guests.

Circuit Judge Jeff White presided of the trail, which was State of Alabama vs. William Robbins, criminal case 2021-245, possession of a controlled substance and possession of drug paraphernalia.

Before the jurors heard evidence presented by the State of Alabama and the defense, Judge Bradley Byrne, who is retired, spoke about the consequences of drug use.

“One in seven Americans suffer from addiction,” Byrne said.

He said drug addiction alters the brain, and added that he never wants to see any of the seniors present in his courtroom. He serves as the Escambia County Drug Court judge.

“You are the author of your life story,” Byrne said.

Those who served as jurors by school included: Julie Conway, Emma Hall, Brady Howell, Tomorrion Knight, Chris Long and Lillie Lanham, Escambia Academy; Carly Boutwell, Malayzia Crenshaw, Janisha Hines, Racquel Knight, Rachel Redmond, Bryson Williams and Madison Bouler. Howell and Knight served as alternates.

Seniors from the Brewton area will participate tomorrow.