Davenport Schools ELA Students Served Up Guest Speaker Judy Thompson

Seventh-grade Honors ELA students in Davenport Community School District had the privilege of hearing from a guest speaker, Judy Thompson, in class recently. Mrs. Thompson is a former pro tennis player from Davenport who also helped play a role in the passing of Title IX, a law allowing women equal rights in sports, education and other activities. She spoke about her life- her successes, challenges, and her impact on women’s sports.

Native to Davenport (and among the first graduating class of Davenport West High School!), she has toured the world and played among some of the best players in tennis. She informed students of her younger years when women’s sports weren’t available. Mrs. Thompson told of a time where she hid her hair in a baseball cap in order to play with boys since she was a terrific pitcher. Mrs. Thompson brought in authentic souvenirs and allowed for student questions at the end. It was a privilege to have her in class! Students were able to relate her life story to their National History Day projects themed: Turning Points in History.

Davenport Schools ELA Students Served Up Guest Speaker Judy Thompson

Sean Leary

Sean Leary is an author, director, artist, musician, producer and entrepreneur who has been writing professionally since debuting at age 11 in the pages of the Comics Buyers Guide. An honors graduate of the University of Southern California masters program, he has written over 50 books including the best-sellers The Arimathean, Every Number is Lucky to Someone and We Are All Characters.

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