Judge Williams, a Circuit Judge at the Broward County Courthouse, was one of the funniest speakers we have had. He really engaged with us students in a way that differed from any of the other lecturers.
Judge Williams essentially told us all the key steps about being a successful leader. He reminded us that being confident and humble goes a long way versus someone who is cocky and arrogant. He told us likability is the key to success because no one will trust you and give you power if you are not likable.
"Success comes from doing something for everyone else," Judge Williams said. He related this topic to people like Michael Jackson who sang for the world straight from his passion and desire to sing, not for the money and fame. Walt Disney did the same, too. His efforts to spread creativity and imagination throughout the world came a long way in creating a multi -billion dollar empire.
One thing that that really touched us was when Judge Williams spoke about bullying. He explained bullies never target the weak but the ones who are most successful. This really hit us all when Judge Williams spoke about our beloved classmate, James Fuller. He specifically spoke about the recent Sun Sentinel article written about James after he was killed, which mentioned that before attending American Heritage while at his former school, James was bullied before seventh grade because he was so smart. Tying this in, Judge Williams told us bullies target the successful like James who are Mensa Members, Eagle Scouts, and people who really will make a difference in this world.
Submitted by Carine Ghannoum, Junior, Honors Pre-Law Society
Judge Williams (center) with Judge Haimes, one of the AHS Pre-Law teachers,
and Nikki Laurie, Honors Legal Studies Program Director