MIAMI – Long before Ketanji Brown Jackson became a big time federal judge, she was a Panther at Miami Palmetto Senior High.
At the school, old photos show she served as class president, played chess and was even a skilled member of the debate team, winning several national championships.
People who knew the young high school student back then say Jackson had big dreams and always succeeded at every mission she conquered.
In fact, in the official yearbook for Palmetto’s Class of ‘88, she wrote, “I want to go into law and eventually have a judicial appointment.”
Jackson did go on to Harvard Law School and became a lawyer. She served as clerk for Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer, the very justice that insiders say she is now a front runner to replace.
And although it’s been nearly 34 years since judge Jackson walked the Palmetto halls, her success and fast rise in the legal world has left a lasting impression.
The school acknowledging her prior appointment last year by President Biden as Circuit Judge for the DC Court of Appeals, and after being confirmed by the senate, the school posting a congratulatory message on Facebook.