Prominent Trial Attorney, Willie Gary Shares Words of Encouragement and Challenges Students to Strive for Academic Excellence at West Charlotte High School Gary Visits West Charlotte for the Fourth Year in a Charlotte, NC-- Willie E. Gary, prominent trial attorney and philanthropist addressed over 700 students at West Charlotte High School in Charlotte, North Carolina, in an attempt to motivate them to strive for academic excellence. This was Gary’s fourth consecutive visit to the school as part of the CIAA tournament festivities. Gary visited West Charlotte to track the progress made by the student body. For the last few years, students’ test scores have increased and school attendance has seen a major improvement. Gary was welcomed to West Charlotte High School by the school’s newly appointed principal Shelton Jefferies, members of the Student Government Association and the JROTC. The school’s drum line led Gary into the auditorium where over 700 juniors and seniors eagerly awaited his arrival. He was accompanied by his wife, Gloria as he addressed students, faculty and staff. Gary spoke to the audience about his struggle to overcome what seemed like insurmountable odds and growing up as a poor migrant worker in south Florida. He described the integral role education played in his ability to achieve success. He then challenged the students to pursue their educational goals, despite obstacles they may encounter. “All of these students have important decisions to make about their future. My intention was to motivate them to make good decisions and to believe in themselves,” said Gary. “Hopefully, my story touched the lives of these boys and girls and inspired them to finish high school and continue on to college.” Gary, who is best known in legal circles as “The Giant Killer,” is noted for taking on some of America’s most powerful companies, winning billions of dollars in verdicts and settlements on behalf of his clients. Known for his philanthropic endeavors, he and his wife, Gloria Gary, founded The Gary Foundation, which provides college scholarships to at-risk students who wish to attend college. The Gary’s have donated millions of dollars to help Historically Black Colleges and Universities – including $10 million to their alma mater Shaw University in Raleigh, North Carolina.
|
 |
||||
|
