President-elect Joe Biden has announced his nomination of Federal Appeals Judge and Niles West alum Merrick Garland for Attorney General. Garland was a member of Niles West’s 1970 graduating class, and he attended Lincoln Hall Middle School.

After Justice Antonin Scalia‘s passing in 2016, President Barack Obama nominated Garland to fill the seat, but a republican Senate snubbed the nomination, leaving the nomination to then President-elect Donald Trump. Garland remained Chief Judge of the U.S. Court of Appeals until President-elect Biden announced Garland’s nomination for Attorney General in 2021.

With such an impressive feat coming from a Niles West alumni, the Niles West community is filled with respect for and inspiration from Garland.

“We are thrilled to hear of the nomination of Merrick Garland to the Attorney General position. This is yet another example of the commitment to excellence that Niles West students and alums display,” Niles West Principal Dr. Karen Ritter said.

During his time at West, Garland participated in multiple extracurriculars such as serving as president of student council, participating in debate team, and taking part in theatre productions. Garland also graduated as valedictorian in 1970.

Not only are staff reveling in this nomination, but students alike feel how important this nomination is to the community, and to themselves.

“Seeing someone who graduated from Niles West be nominated for such an important role in our government just shows that anyone one of us could also do the same, and I think that’s really cool to see,” senior Enesa Dibra said.

Other students felt that not only is his background at West impressive, but the hopeful expectations they have for Garland should he serve in this position.

“Not only is he a Niles West graduate, but there are also really high expectations for him if he is going to be Attorney General. People are calling on him to act on issues surrounding the environment, and other things. Hopefully, he does well if he ends up being appointed,” senior Aida Mehicevic said.

Dr. Ritter gave her vote of confidence to Niles West students ensuring that each and every one of them could go on to achieve greatness as Garland has done.

“Should Merrick Garland be appointed to the position, it would be such an inspiration and honor to Niles West students. This shows that there is no limit to what each of our students can achieve,” Dr. Ritter said.