Supreme Court Nominee Merrick Garland Gives Niles West Commencement Speech

In March, President Barack Obama nominated Merrick Garland, a Lincolnwood native and 1970 Niles West High School graduate, to replace Antonin Scalia on the Unites States Supreme Court. Garland, a federal appeals court judge in Washington, D.C. since 1997, has prosecuted high profile cases such as the 1995 Oklahoma City Bombing and the Unabomber. He is currently chief judge of the United States Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit.

Garland was the Niles West valedictorian in 1970. At Niles West, Garland became president of the student council, acted in theatrical productions, and participated on the debate team. He went on to enroll in Harvard Law School, where he graduated Magna Cum Laude.

He returns to his high school alma mater to deliver Sunday's commencement address. The ceremony is scheduled to begin at noon Central time and will be webcast live via High School Cube.