By SUE ELLEN ROSS – Staff Reporter

EDGARD – Juniors and seniors at West St. John High School recently received a guest from the state judicial system. The event was the culmination of a class project in Mary Johnson’s American History class.

The project began with research on the Louisiana Supreme Court and Justice John Weimer. The class then contacted Justice Weimer through e-mail, asking questions about his background.

In addition to his response, he arranged to speak at the school through his friend, Laury Dupont, who is also a coach at the high school.

“The visit was fantastic,” said principal Jerry Galloway. “We were really honored that he took time from his busy schedule to come.”

Galloway added that it was a great thing for the students to see that a man of this stature “was a real human being.”

Local judge Madeline Jasmine introduced the guest speaker.

During the visit, Justice Weimer discussed the court system, noting the different levels of courts that serve the local area. He also shared life experiences, including his college days at Nichols University, and his years as an attorney in Thibodaux.

Johnson felt the visit was a motivating force for her class.

“He told us how determination helped him to succeed to where he is today,” she said. “He encouraged the students to be determined in what they do.”

After the group presentation, several juniors and seniors talked with Justice Weimer one-on-one, inquiring about opportunities in law.