HARRISBURG (May 14, 2009) - The Pennsylvania Bar Association Young Lawyers Division will present its 2009 Liberty Bell Award to Spring Cove Middle School social studies teacher Brad Heuston during the state association's Annual Meeting on June 2 in Pittsburgh.

The Liberty Bell Award is given to an individual for his or her outstanding community service and for promoting the "blessing of liberty" guaranteed by the Constitution. Criteria for the award include: promoting a better understanding of our government and the Bill of Rights; encouraging greater respect for the law and the courts; creating a better awareness of individual responsibility so that citizen recognize their duties as well as their rights; contributing to the effective functioning of our government; and encouraging a better understanding and appreciation of the Rule of Law.

Heuston is the teacher-coach of the Central High School mock trial team that won the 25th Annual Pennsylvania Bar Association Statewide Mock Trial Championship in late March. It was the first state win for the Blair County high school.

Last week, Heuston's team placed tenth at the National High School Mock Trial in Atlanta, Georgia.

Heuston is described as "an extremely dedicated public servant with a true passion for government and civics education" by Bedford County District Attorney Bill Higgins Jr., who nominated Heuston for the award. Higgins was the 2007-08 chair of the association's Young Lawyers Division.

"Brad fosters an understanding of how the court system works and how an attorney would present the case to an actual jury," Higgins wrote. "Because of Brad, students have a true understanding and respect for the Rule of Law."

Founded in 1895, the Pennsylvania Bar Association strives to promote justice, professional excellence and respect for the law; improve public understanding of the legal system; facilitate access to legal services; and serve the 29,000 lawyers who are members of the association.