Fourteen local students were presented with awards Thursday during the Cass County Board of Commissioners meeting for their artistic contributions to the Victims Rights Week Book Cover Contest through the Cass County prosecutor’s office.

Children from first-, second-, third- and fourth-grade classes at Marcellus Elementary School, Sam Adams Elementary School and Edwardsburg Elementary School were awarded certificates and honored in front of the county board of commissioners for their drawings for a book, “Going to Court.” During Victims Rights Week, the children were asked to draw what they thought the cover of the book should look like. Volunteers from the Council on Aging selected the finalists, and then the winning drawing for the book cover was chosen.

“The book is for some of our youthful victims so they can understand the court system,” Victor Fitz, Cass County Prosecuting Attorney, said to the crowded room of parents and family members. “The drawing helps them feel safe when they eventually go to court.”

Allie Ianello, a fourth-grader from Edwardsburg Elementary School, drew the winning book cover art. All of the finalists’ artwork will be on display in the prosecutor’s office.

“The students’ artwork is judged for how well it portrays the theme of the book, ‘Going to Court,’” Amanda Smego, Victims Rights coordinator, said.

During the regular meeting, students got the chance to walk up to the podium and receive their award. Smego said it’s something parents, community members and the board of commissioners appreciated seeing.

“Kids that come through our office love looking at the artwork,” Smego said. “It’s a great way to get them involved.”