S P E C I A L F E A T U R E M i k e H o o k e r – P h e l p s D u n b a r L L P
Judgekathrynkimballmizellegoes “ offtherecord ”
“ ibelievethatifyou ’ vebeengivenalotofopportunitiesandtalents , youhavearesponsibilitytousethemwell . ibelieveeveryone shouldpursueexcellenceinwhateveryou ’ redoing .”
Note : This interview has been slightly edited for length and clarity .
Q : Judge , I understand you were born in Lakeland , Florida . Can you tell us a little about your background and what it was like growing up there ?
A : Yes , my husband and I are both Polk County natives . Lakeland was one of those towns that , although it has grown dramatically in the last decade or so , still has a small town feel to it . I very much enjoyed that close-knit community , and I still love getting to visit my folks ( and childhood friends ) who live there .
Q : I ’ ve read that you received an Army Reserve National Scholar Athlete Award in high school . What sport did you play ?
A : I played a bunch of sports — soccer , volleyball , track , and cross-country . I think the award was probably for soccer .
Q : Somebody told me that you also ran a lot in law school . Do you still jog ?
A : I still enjoy running . I admittedly don ’ t have many hobbies , but running is one of my favorite activities . It ’ s a good way to clear your mind .
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