The Robert H. Jackson Center will host a trio of educational and community-focused events in May, including a Battle of the Books on Saturday from 2 to 4 p.m.

Grade school educators have been invited to bring student teams to its Battle of the Books event. Teams of students in sixth through eighth grades from area school districts will demonstrate their knowledge of 12 pre-selected books they have read in preparation for the competition.

The afternoon will feature competition, music, snacks and a celebration of reading and teamwork. Each registered team will receive a set of the selected books provided by the Jackson Center.

Battle of the Books is sponsored by the Dollar General Educational Fund and Cummins Jamestown Engine Plant.

The Robert H. Jackson Center, in partnership with Ehmke Manufacturing Company Inc., has developed an annual essay contest series that engages middle and high school students in civic education while connecting the values of athletics to democratic principles. Students are invited to reflect on themes of civic responsibility, leadership, fairness, and the rule of law. This year’s theme is Playing by the Rules: Fairness and Justice in Sports and Society.

Winners will be celebrated at an awards ceremony on Thursday, May 14, at 6 p.m. at the Jackson Center. First-place winners will receive an engraved plaque, a Jackson Center and Ehmke swag bag, public recognition, and an educational stipend of $1,000 for high school students or $500 for middle school students. Second and third-place finishers will receive a swag bag, a printed certificate, and public recognition. All participants will receive a commemorative bookmark and digital certificate.

Wegmans and Honest John’s Pizza are supporting the reception.

The Jackson Center will conclude the weekend with a brick planting ceremony on Saturday, May 16, celebrating supporters who have chosen to honor loved ones through the center’s Buy a Brick — Build a Legacy project. The program enables everyone to recognize family, friends, veterans, and other individuals by purchasing a commemorative brick installed in the Center’s walkway.

Brick plantings take place twice annually, in May and October. The next brick planting ceremony will be October 10.