A Student's Perspective on Supreme Court Justice Kennard's Visit

Her head held high, lips pressed into a half-smile, she carried her petite figure up the steps to the stage, turning her hindrance of a limp into a sophisticated saunter. The room fell silent as California Supreme Court Justice Joyce L. Kennard captured the audience for half-an-hour of wisdom.

Four girls from Foothill High School's We the People team invited Justice Kennard to speak at Foothill as part of a project to, according to WTP advisor Jeremy Detamore, “spread civic awareness.”

Vivian Tsai, Christine Yi, Jessica Frasier, and Katie Ronan wrote such a compelling letter that Justice Kennard was beyond “impressed” - enough to take time out of her schedule to do as these girls requested. As a result of their determination, the Multi-Purpose room was nearly filled on Wednesday, May 18.

Although fashionably late, Justice Kennard quickly tuned in to her audience. Her voice reflected experience that she knew she possessed yet a humble desire to spread her message.

Kennard’s main message was to extend nuggets of prudence to the younger generation. She began by commenting on the hopeful youth in the crowd. Her two main pieces of advice were to cherish education and “pursue your ideals.” Kennard’s short yet enlightening speech took a somewhat relaxed approach at her profession with a series of stories, all sharing an underlying tone of the American dream. Sharing her difficult beginnings and acceptance into American society gave the audience, and myself personally, a sense of all that defines America and why she must be proud of her individual progression because of it. She stated, “I feel indebted to this country … simply for letting me in.”

She left the stage by quoting Langston Hughes, daring us to dream, and with an abrupt “Goodnight.”

Within those 30 minutes, the atmosphere somehow felt changed for the better. The room buzzed with positive comments. And I was glad to be a part of it.

Earlier that day, my English class led a discussion about the American dream and its existence throughout history. We left the room somewhat depressed, fearing that our souls would be sacrificed for a false American dream.

However, after listening to Justice Kennard, there was no wonder why Katie Downey gleefully proclaimed, “Okay, who’s bringing this up tomorrow in English class?!” Justice Kennard put into words what we had hoped while pursuing our dreams: that their pursuit is indeed meaningful and vital to ourselves and those around us.

Too optimistic? Perhaps. A bit idealistic? Maybe. (Story of my life.) But this was enough to further urge teens into civic involvement; Kennard and four WTP-ers accomplished their goal and raised the standard for group projects to come.