A Visit from Judge Tyrone Yates: "I Am Somebody"

Xavier Jesuit Academy welcomed Judge Tyrone Yates to Morning Meeting, where our young men were inspired by a leader who set his goals early and achieved every one of them.

Mr. Harry Santen introduced Judge Yates to our students, describing him as someone who charted a clear course for his life and never wavered. Judge Yates has served as Assistant Attorney General of Ohio, member of Cincinnati City Council, Vice Mayor of Cincinnati, and member of the Ohio House of Representatives. He now serves as a Hamilton County Municipal Court Judge.

But before any of those titles, Judge Yates was a young man, not much older than the students sitting before him.

He shared that growing up, he made a simple decision: he went home and started reading books in the living room. Within three weeks, the television watching slowed down, and he never looked back. At school, he began raising his hand, answering questions, and his teachers noticed. They pushed him further, and he kept going.

In honor of Rev. Jesse Jackson, Judge Yates brought a powerful affirmation to our students, reciting "I Am Somebody," tailored especially for the young men of XJA:

I am somebody. I am going to study hard at school. I am going to read in the evening. If I don't have a library card, I am going to get a library card and take out books from the library for free. I am going to be whatever I dream to be in my life. I am going to be the best that I can be. I am somebody. If I can do it, you can do it. Amen.

To close the visit, XJA student Cannon presented Judge Yates with an XJA pin, representing the best Cincinnati has to offer and welcoming him into our community.

We are grateful to Judge Yates for pouring into our students and reminding them that the path to leadership begins with a book, a teacher who believes in you, and the conviction that you are somebody.