Washington Courts: Press Release Detail

Redmond Junior High Student to follow her chosen leader for a day - Justice Bobbe J. Bridge

On January 30th, Carolyn Baldwin, a 14-year-old junior high student will become the fifth woman on the Washington State Supreme Court.

Through an essay contest entitled "Follow a Leader", Baldwin will spend the day with Justice Bobbe J. Bridge, learning the inside workings of the Court and observing oral arguments on four cases throughout the day.

Over the lunch hour, Baldwin will accompany Justice Bridge on a visit to the Washington State Legislature, meeting with Representatives and Senators.

Baldwin's grand-prize winning essay focused on her interest in becoming a judge and following Justice Bridge at the Supreme Court. In addition to receiving a $1,000 U.S. Savings Bond, as the grand prize winner she also won $5,000 for her school, Redmond Junior High. She was selected out of nearly 1,000 entries.

This seventh-annual "Follow A Leader" contest paired students with 22 community leaders throughout the state this past year. The program is sponsored by the Bon Marche, Seattle Times and King 5 News. Full text of Baldwin's prize-winning essay is attached (winning essay).

Washington State has the distinction of having four women justices on the Supreme Court bench, more than any such court in the nation. Interviews with Justice Bridge or Ms. Baldwin on this date may be arranged by calling the number listed above.

CONTACT: Justice Bobbe J. Bridge, Washington Supreme Court, (360) 357-2049.