NAPLES, Fla., May 9, 2026 — Ave Maria School of Law is pleased to announce that Lillian Kennedy has been selected by the Class of 2026 to serve as student speaker for Commencement, to be held Saturday, May 16, at Artis—Naples.

Ms. Kennedy, the daughter of Kevin and Jean Marie Kennedy, is from Philadelphia, Pennsylvania and earned her Bachelor of Arts, majoring in history and psychology, from University of Scranton.

During her time at Ave Maria School of Law, Ms. Kennedy earned the St. Thomas More Academic Scholarship, served as a Dean’s Delegate, and held the position of managing editor for the Law Review. She also served as a teaching assistant for Legal Writing I, Legal Writing II, and Commercial Law. Ms. Kennedy had the opportunity to intern at the United States District Court for the Eastern District of Pennsylvania and for Becker & Poliakoff. After taking the bar examination, she will clerk at the Wisconsin Court of Appeals District II.

Ms. Kennedy is grateful to God for His guidance throughout her legal studies and thankful for the unwavering support of her family, professors, and classmates. She also expressed appreciation for Ave Maria School of Law and the dedication of its faculty to its Catholic mission, which has fostered in her a deep faith and instilled the values she intends to carry throughout her legal career.

Ms. Kennedy will join Florida Supreme Court Chief Justice Carlos G. Muñiz, who will deliver the Commencement address.

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