The Verdict: Gray Served All

* I read with some sadness the article (“Judge Gray to Retire, End O.C. Jail Oversight,” April 4) regarding the planned retirement of U.S. District Judge William P. Gray, which focused on his role in protecting the constitutional rights of Orange County inmates since 1978.

In addition to his judicial duties, Judge Gray performed another very important service for the community. He hosted groups of students from a number of schools throughout Southern California. For five years, my eighth-grade history/social science classes boarded buses for the long ride from Niguel Hills Junior High in Laguna Niguel to the U.S. District Court in Los Angeles.

Over the years, this field trip evolved into a full tour of the federal court system, but the highlight of our trip was an hour or more with Judge Gray.

Keeping the attention of more than 100 junior high youngsters is no easy task. Judge Gray was a master. He began his presentation (either in chambers or a courtroom if he was hearing a case) with tough questions about the U.S. Constitution and the judicial branch of the U.S. government. If the student answered a question correctly, Judge Gray would toss a chocolate bar across the room with incredible accuracy to the delight of the fortunate student.

Next, he invited questions from students. His responses were straightforward and to the point. He concluded his presentation by making it quite clear that this court and all courts belonged to the citizens of the United States, and that these boys and girls had a right to visit any time they wanted. He talked about the evils of drug use and the high percentage of federal cases that were drug-related. He told them to take advantage of their rights under the Constitution and to make their mark on society.

Every year one student would inevitably ask Judge Gray how old he was and when he planned to retire. His age was a surprise to all of us because he was so vibrant and youthful. Regarding retirement, Judge Gray related that when the time came that he no longer could perform his duties to his high standards, he would step down.

Judge Gray, I sincerely regret that my future eighth-grade classes will miss this unique and rich experience with a person of your integrity, openness, humor and sensitivity. Judge Gray is a man with high standards and the strength to stand by them. He is a person who truly serves the whole community, from jail inmate to junior high student.

NANCY McINTYRE

San Clemente