On Feb. 18, Wright was appointed by President Barack Obama and took the oath of office as a federal judge for the U.S. District Court of Minnesota. Two months ago, Head of School Bryn Roberts asked Wright to be the commencement speaker.
“I responded with an enthusiastic “yes,” she said.
Since the commencement speaker assignment, Wright said she has been thinking about speech ideas.
“I want to address the ways the SPA curriculum and community have prepared students for the next chapter of their educational lives,” Wright said. “St. Paul Academy is a wonderful and unique school. From its Harkness discussions to its thoughtful community engagement, SPA trains students to consider and discuss important issues.”
Wright plans to urge students to continue this respectful discourse across the differences they encounter in their new environments.
“I will talk about how students should continue their thoughtful engagement in important issues, even when people might not necessarily agree with them,” Wright said.
Wright believes that SPA students are educated, responsible, and generous members of their communities. For these reasons, this accomplished District Court Judge said she finds speaking to the Class of 2016 a little intimidating.
“I am honored to have the opportunity to address such gifted communicators and thoughtful leaders. These terrific qualities in the student body make them critical thinkers and critical listeners. These qualities make me proud to address the graduates, as well as add a greater responsibility to my speech,” she said.
In addition to her current appointment to the District Court, Wright has served on all three levels of the state courts. She is the parent of a current student and a member of the SPA Board of Trustees.