Prominent Trial Attorney, Willie Gary Shares Words of Encouragement and Challenges Students to Strive for Gary Delivers Commencement Address Durham, NC-- Trial attorney Willie Gary addressed nearly 80 graduates at JD Clement Early College High School in Durham, North Carolina, in an attempt to motivate them to strive for academic excellence. Gary served as the keynote speaker for the high school’s 2010 Commencement Exercises. Gary was welcomed to JD Clement Early College High School, which is located on the campus of North Carolina Central University (NCCU), by Principal Kendra O’Neal Williams and several members of the graduating class. As Gary entered McLendon-McDougald Gymnasium the students began to cheer and applaud from the stands. Gary energized and motivated the graduates during his address and spoke about his struggles growing up as a poor migrant worker and the critical role education played in his success. He challenged the graduates to pursue their educational goals, despite obstacles. The graduates stood to their feet with excitement when Gary asked: “Are there any Eagles in the house today?” “Are there any seniors in the house today?” Alexandria Clemmons, a graduating senior, commended Gary for his support of educational and academic programs at Historically Black Colleges and Universities, specifically North Carolina Central University School. Gary is a graduate of North Carolina Central University School of Law and has donated thousands of dollars to the school over the years. He also provides internship opportunities for NCCU law students. “Each graduate has important decisions to make about their future. My intention was to encourage 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.
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