OXFORD, Miss. – Mississippi Supreme Court Judge Kay Cobb urged high school students to take advantage of their youth and seek to become tomorrow’s leaders.
Addressing approximately 40 high school students from Mississippi, Alabama and Louisiana at the 7th Annual Trent Lott Leadership Institute’s High School Conference, Cobb said there is a tremendous need for good leaders across all spectrums of society.
“This is a critical time in our country, state and society for leaders with high ethical standard,” Cobb said during her keynote address. “A good leader is ever mindful of others needs, and then takes the initiative to create the changes necessary to reach a higher ground.”
A former high school basketball player in Cleveland, Cobb said one of her inspirations growing up was her former coach, Margaret Wade. (Named after Wade and considered the equivalent of football’s Heisman Trophy, a trophy is awarded annually to the top women’s player in college). Another prominent influence, Cobb said, is U.S. Supreme Court Judge Sandra Day O’Conner.
“I have risen to the pinnacle of my profession, and this is a marvelous time, especially for young women, to take an active leadership role,” Cobb said.
The Trent Lott Leadership Institute’s High School Conference receives more than 500 applications annually. Students must be nominated by their principal, and only 40 students are admitted into the program.
“These are distinguished, hard working students,” said Billy Gottshall, the Institute’s executive director. “We are extremely proud of their accomplishments.”
Led by university administrators, the conference also featured group discussions for students, school officials and parents. A reception and dinner was also held in the South End Zone Club of Vaught Hemingway Stadium, where Cobb delivered her address.
Cobb was appointed to the Mississippi Supreme Court in 1999. Prior to her appointment, she served the people of Mississippi as State Senator, Special Assistant Attorney General, Attorney for the Bureau of Narcotics and director of the Mississippi Prosecutors College. In 2000, she was elected to the Supreme Court for an eight-year term, and effective April 1, 2004, she assumed the position of Presiding Justice.
