Judge and Miami native Ketanji Brown Jackson is a leader in the race for open Supreme Court seat (includes video story)

Supreme Court Justice Stephen Breyer announced his retirement yesterday. The 83-year-old’s decision to step down gives President Joe Biden his first opportunity to make a Supreme Court nomination and fulfill a campaign promise: to make history.

“The person I will nominate will be someone with extraordinary qualifications, character, experience, and integrity,” shared Biden. “And that person will be the first black woman ever nominated to the United States Supreme Court.”

The spotlight shines on one possible nominee most brightly: Judge Ketanji Brown Jackson, who grew up in South Florida and attended Miami Palmetto Senior High School. On Thursday, Palmetto students talked about the possibility of her nomination.

“I think it’s very impressive and it’s going to give our school a good look,” shared Palmetto student Daniela Rodriguez. “Also, it’s great to know that a young female may be nominated to be in the Supreme Court. [This] represents our community, females and people of color.”

The nomination, expected to come by the end of February, will be one of the most consequential decisions of Biden’s presidency.

Zitlali Solache is a student in Florida International University, pursuing her Masters degree in Spanish-Language Broadcast Journalism. Zitlali Solache is Mexican American and has a passion for storytelling and news. She has interned for WPBT PBS, WSVN Channel 7 and STEP Univision. After graduation, Zitlali aspires to become a reporter/anchor in her hometown Miami, FL.