New York State Attorney General Letitia James visited School 2 on February 5 to bring a message of encouragement and inspiration to scholars in third, fourth and fifth grade.
James, who is the first woman and person of color to be elected to the Attorney General’s office, shared her path to becoming one of the state’s highest-ranking elected officials from growing up in Brooklyn, serving on the New York City Council and as the public advocate for the City of New York and graduating from both Columbia University and Howard University Law School.
She offered advice to students and encouraged them to be leaders, to stand up against bullying, and to keep working hard. She reminded them that every teacher and administrator is here to support them and wants them to be successful – while also showing first-hand that with hard work and perseverance, you can accomplish your dreams.
“Children cannot be what they cannot see. And it’s important that they see the Attorney General and humanize this office and myself. In addition to that, it’s important that we raise these children and that we support them and inspire them and reach out to them each and every day so that they can achieve their dreams,” said James.
Scholars also prepared several questions for her, asking about how she chose the colleges she attended, who inspires her, and why she wanted to become an attorney. Each grade also took a photo with her at the end of the assembly.
“It was incredible to have such an influential and successful woman of color to speak to our students and to help them realize their hopes and their dreams for their future, and to know that they have endless possibilities,” said School 2 Principal Amanda Klopott. “Students left excited and focused and knowing that she cared.”
We’d like to thank Attorney General James for spending time with our students and for bringing such a positive message to School 2!