BEDFORD – On Tuesday, September 16, 2025, over 300 eighth-grade students from Lawrence County celebrated Constitution Day, marking the 238th anniversary of the signing of the United States Constitution.
The event was a collaborative effort between Lawrence County Circuit Judge Nathan Nikirk and the Bedford Lions Club. The Lions Club arranged the logistics, coordinated with local schools, and provided each student with a pocket-sized copy of the Constitution. Lion Bill Willis from West Baden, the Indiana State chairperson for the project, was instrumental in this effort.
Students from the Lawrence County Independent School, Springville Community Academy, and Lawrence County Home Schools gathered in the Lawrence County Circuit courtroom for an informational presentation by Judge Nikirk. Students from St. Vincent de Paul School received a similar presentation from Juvenile Referee Magistrate Anah Hewetson Gouty.
Following the initial sessions, Judge Nikirk and the Lions moved to the Schafer Auditorium at Bedford Middle School to present the material to the school’s 8th graders.
Throughout the sessions, students learned about the Constitution’s role in defining rights, responsibilities, and the structure of the U.S. government. Several students used their new booklets to ask Judge Nikirk questions, citing specific articles and sections of the law. They inquired about the rights afforded to citizens, the roles of the three branches of government, insights into the judicial system, and the age requirements for running for federal office.
Lions Club members expressed their hope that the students would share the contents of their booklets with their parents, maintain an interest in local government, and become informed voters when they are eligible to do so. The event organizers extended a special thank you to all the teachers, school counselors, principals, parents, and students who participated in the critical event, calling it “a great day with some very impressive students.”
