Even if some of the younger students at Washington Montessori didn’t quite grasp the wisdom he was imparting, Judge Dennis Bagneris understood the importance of his message.
“I feel like a lot of the words that I say to you today may go over the heads of the first graders,” said Judge Bagneris, who was the guest speaker for Washington Montessori’s celebration of Black History Month. “But that’s okay because we’re here today to plant seeds. And the seeds will grown, I guarantee you.”
Judge Dennis Bangeris, Sr. was the guest speaker for the event.
The theme of the event and Judge Bageris’ speech was “Always remember that the beginning of a story does not determine its end.” The son of a janitor and cafeteria worker, he felt the theme complemented his story.
“I don’t think there were a lot of people who would’ve thought years later that I would go to the Louisiana state senate to become the first vice president of that senate who was African American,” said Judge Bagneris. “And then later go on to the 4th Circuit Court of Appeals and become the deputy chief of that court today.”
Along with the speech from Judge Bagneris, the morning included performances and presentations from Washington Montessori students and staff. Students portrayed civil rights icons Frederick Douglass, Ruby Bridges, and President Barack Obama. There were also a pair of student musical performances. Each performance shared a message with the students that was captured during Judge Bagneris’ speech.
“You need to believe that you can.” said Judge Bagneris. “Go home today and tell that person in the mirror “Yes I can” and I guarantee you will succeed.”
