SACRAMENTO REGION, CA (MPG) - Earlier this month the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of California partnered with public schools across the Sacramento area to provide hundreds of middle school students with a unique opportunity.  The court hosted hundreds of 6th, 7th, 8th and 9th graders from various public schools in the region for a discussion with a very important guest.  They attended a live, interactive video conference event with Associate Justice Sonia Sotomayor of the Supreme Court of the United States.  

Justice Sotomayor spoke with students about her life experiences and shared wisdom to remain encouraged during challenging times.  She also responded to questions posed by students from each participating school.

This event was co-sponsored by the Sacramento Federal Judicial Library and Learning Center Foundation (SacJLC) and Federal Bar Association (Sacramento Chapter).  The SacJLC provided students with an autographed copy of Justice Sotomayor’s middle school book, The Beloved World of Sonia Sotomayor.  The Sacramento County Office of Education also produced curriculum tailored to support teachers with classroom lessons to encourage student dialogue related to the Justice’s book.

Justice Sotomayor recently swore in Vice President Kamala Harris at the January 2021 Presidential Inauguration.

Justice Sotomayor is the first Latina and third woman appointed to the United States Supreme Court. She did not let hardships of her background – including growing up in the rough housing projects of New York City’s South Bronx, dealing with juvenile diabetes and other family challenges deter her from reaching her fullest potential.  Her determination, along with guidance from generous mentors and the unwavering support from her extended Puerto Rican family, propelled her to reach her dreams.

Her desire to reach out and talk to our students stems from the Justice’s own experiences and commitment to encourage youth to reach for their own dreams.