Alumni: From Greenhouse debates to U.S. Court of Appeals
Christopher Baldacci
Christopher Baldacci attended Greenhouse as an elective student before joining Rhetoric (‘11-’15). He attended Patrick Henry College and earned his law degree at University of Virginia.
Years at Greenhouse: 2007-15
College: Patrick Henry College
Major: Government & Philosophy
Grad School: University
of Virginia
Degree: J.D.
Employer: Hon Jerry E. Smith, US Court of Appeals
Job: Law Clerk
Living in: Arlington, VA
Family: Married to Meridian
Greenhouse was an incredibly formative educational experience for me. First and foremost, it was where I fell in love with writing. I was trained in the art and style of excellent prose, I was encouraged to be rigorous about mechanics and grammar, and I was taught how to be very self-critical without losing passion for a project. I use those skills every day in legal practice.
Additionally, the classical curriculum gave me a broad understanding of science, history, literature, and culture. And I was exposed to many great books that remain pillars of my intellectual and spiritual life. I am amazed how much I’ve retained and how often I draw on that base of knowledge.
But perhaps most importantly, Greenhouse prepared me to be a lifelong learner and to humbly (but eagerly) seek out the Truth wherever it may be found. That is a gift that will never leave, even when my memory of facts and dates starts to fade.
–Christopher Baldacci