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Willie E. Gary,
Prominent Trial Attorney, Shares Words
of Encouragement and Challenges Students
to Strive for Academic Excellence at
West Charlotte High School
Gary and Dr. Clarence G. Newsome,
President of
Shaw University, Recognize 31 Students
who
have been Accepted at Shaw University
Attorney
Willie E. Gary is welcomed by the JROTC
while speaking
at West Charlotte High School in
Charlotte, North Carolina.
Charlotte, NC-- Willie E. Gary,
prominent trial attorney, addressed over
700 students at West Charlotte High
School in Charlotte, North Carolina, in
an attempt to motivate them to strive
for academic excellence.
Gary was welcomed to West Charlotte High
School by Principal John Modest and
members of the JROTC. The school’s drum
line led Gary into the auditorium where
over 700 students eagerly awaited his
arrival. He was accompanied by his wife,
Gloria, his son, Kobie, and Dr. Clarence
G. Newsome, president of Shaw
University, as he addressed students and
faculty. Gary spoke to the audience
about his struggles growing up as a poor
migrant worker and the central role
education played in his success. He
challenged the children to pursue their
educational goals, despite obstacles.
Two students at West Charlotte High
School gave an update on the school’s
progress since Gary’s visit in 2007,
highlighting the significant strides the
school has made over the past year. Gary
and Newsome recognized 31 students who
have been accepted at Shaw University in
the fall, including Monica Reid who was
presented with a full scholarship.
“All of these students have important
decisions to make about their future. My
intention was to motivate them to make
good decisions and to believe in
themselves,” said Gary. “Hopefully, my
story touched the lives of these boys
and girls and inspired them to finish
high school and continue on to college.”
Gary, who is best known in legal circles
as “The Giant Killer,” is noted for
taking on some of America’s most
powerful companies, winning billions of
dollars in verdicts and settlements on
behalf of his clients. Known for his
philanthropic endeavors, he and his
wife, Gloria Gary, founded The Gary
Foundation, which provides college
scholarships to at-risk students who
wish to attend college. The Gary’s have
donated millions of dollars to help
Historically Black Colleges and
Universities – including $10 million to
his alma mater Shaw University in
Raleigh, North Carolina.
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