Supreme Speaker

When Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas was on the commencement speaker circuit this season, one of his most meaningful talks was the one he gave to the graduating class of 18 middle-school boys at Washington (DC) Jesuit Academy.

Described by the Washington Times as a “tuition-free private boarding school for underprivileged but academically promising youths run by the Jesuits,” the school’s “small class sizes, 12-hour school days and 11-month school year” has worked miracles since its launch in 2002.

“While 11 percent of entering students read at grade level, the school reports that 95 percent of its graduates do so. In fact, nearly all of this year’s 38 alumni will continue their studies in college-directed programs.”

In his address, Justice Thomas stressed the value that his Holy Cross education had on the life of someone from Pin Point Georgia whose father abandoned the family.

Washington Jesuit is funded by Washington area schools, including Gonzaga High School, Georgetown Prep and Georgetown University.

Deborah Lambert writes the Squeaky Chalk column for Accuracy in Academia.

Deborah Lambert