Recognizing Cochise County’s annual Law Day, Arizona Supreme Court Justice John R. Lopez IV will give a keynote speech at Willcox High School.

The speech will be at 10 a.m. May 2

The event will wrap up a weekslong period of educational activities. Cochise County schools encouraged K-12 students to engage in art and essay contests centered on this year’s theme of “The 14th Amendment: Transforming American Democracy.”

Now practiced across the United States, Law Day was first created in 1957 by Charles Rhynes, then president of the American Bar Association, according to a press release.

President Dwight D. Eisenhower designated the nation’s first Law Day within one year, with the custom becoming officially celebrated nationwide every May 1, starting in 1961.

Prior to his appointment to the state Supreme Court this year, Justice Lopez served as solicitor general within Arizona’s Office of Attorney General, managing civil lawsuits and appeals plus criminal appeals. That followed stints with the U.S. attorney’s office and Department of Justice.

The public is encouraged to attend. Willcox High School is at 240 N. Bisbee Ave., Willcox.