Angela L. Early, Ph.D., a social studies teacher at Riverview Gardens High School, gave Riverview Gardens High School scholars an unforgettable Black History Month gift. Early invited Magistrate Judge Rodney H. Holmes to RGHS to provide a glimpse into the day in the life of a federal judge and provide important legal insights.
Judge Holmes spoke to students on Feb. 10 and Feb. 11. During the sessions, he made a presentation that included the story of his path to a legal career, answered questions regarding the law and legal procedures and spoke to the importance of education. Holmes also ate lunch with students and staff on both days.
"This is a rare opportunity to enrich our scholars' academic and analytical skills as well as teach them values to embrace as productive citizens," Early stated.
The activities gave RGHS Social Studies scholars a close and personal glimpse at how the legal system works. Each session featured approximately 100 students in attendance.
Holmes was appointed as a magistrate judge for the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Missouri in 2022. Raised in East St. Louis, Illinois, he earned his law degree from Saint Louis University School of Law and his undergraduate degree from Lincoln University, a historically Black university in Jefferson City, Missouri.
In addition to his legal career, Holmes was inducted into the National Semi-Professional Baseball Hall of Fame.