Justice Stephen McCullough addresses 1L Students at Professionalism Ceremony

The Kenneth F. Kahn School of Law welcomed its newest class of 1L students and their families for a meaningful Professionalism Ceremony on August 20. This annual tradition at the law school marks the culmination of orientation and the beginning of the students’ journey into the legal profession.

The ceremony featured the Honorable Stephen R. McCullough, Justice of the Supreme Court of Virginia, who spoke to the students about the responsibilities and values essential to becoming a lawyer. His remarks emphasized the importance of professionalism, ethics, service, civility, and a commitment to lifelong learning—principles that will guide the students throughout their legal careers.

For the incoming 1L class, the ceremony offered an opportunity to look beyond the rigors of their legal education and consider the kind of attorneys they hope to become.

“The Professionalism Ceremony truly felt like the official start of this next chapter of my life,” said 1L student Justin Bass. “It was an honor to have the opportunity to learn from such a well-respected member of the Judiciary. Justice McCullough imparted on us the profound importance of professionalism, ethics, continued learning, and service in a speech that I am sure I will remember for many years to come. I walked out of the auditorium knowing that I am exactly where God has called me to be, and I am so grateful to be a member of the High Point University Kenneth F. Kahn School of Law family.”

Justice McCullough’s message also resonated with 1L student Whitley Yates, who reflected on the significance of receiving these lessons at the very beginning of her legal education.

“Having Justice McCullough speak at our Professionalism Ceremony was an incredible way to begin our legal education,” Yates said. “We are only one week into law school, but we are already being challenged to think beyond learning the law and to consider the kind of lawyers we want to become. Justice McCullough reminded us that we not only are guardians of the law and officers of the court, but also that our responsibility extends beyond the courtroom through service, lifelong learning, and civility.”

Yates said the timing of the ceremony made Justice McCullough’s message especially meaningful.

“What meant the most to me was receiving those lessons at the very beginning of this journey,” she said. “There is something powerful about being entrusted with the ideals of the profession before we have even earned the privilege of practicing it. Opportunities like this are part of what makes being at High Point Law so special. We are not simply being prepared to become lawyers; we are being challenged to become lawyers worthy of the responsibility that comes with the profession.”

Director of Professional Formation and Professor Natt Gantt, who helped lead the school’s orientation programming, said the ceremony represents an important transition for the incoming class.

“The Professionalism Ceremony serves as a culmination of our orientation programming and a fitting beginning to our incoming students’ journey as High Point law students,” Gantt said. “The ceremony underscores that we seek to educate students holistically so that they appreciate how doctrinal knowledge, practical skills, and professional values are all critical to their flourishing in the legal profession.”

The Professionalism Ceremony reflects High Point Law’s commitment to preparing students not only to understand the law, but also to embrace the responsibility that accompanies membership in the legal profession. As the newest members of the High Point Law community begin their studies, they do so with a clear reminder that becoming a lawyer is about more than mastering legal doctrine—it is about developing the judgment, character, service-mindedness, and professionalism necessary to serve others well.

Founding Dean and former chief justice of the North Carolina Supreme Court Mark Martin commented:

We are grateful to our keynote speaker, Justice Stephen McCullough, for appearing and providing a message that underscores the responsibility lawyers bear as loyal advocates for their clients and leaders committed to serving something greater than themselves.