HOUSTON -- From the courthouse to the classroom, Houstonians are heaping praise on federal appeals judge Sonia Sotomayor, President Barack Obama's nominee to become the next justice of the United States Supreme Court.

If confirmed, Sotomayor,who currently sits on U.S. federal bench in New York, would become the first Hispanic and third woman to serve on the nation's highest court.

"She brings more judicial experience to the court than any nominee in the last seven years," said KPRC Local 2 legal analyst Brian Wice.

The president-elect of the Houston Hispanic Bar Association called Sotomayor a role model.

"She's going to bring a lot to the bench," said Diana Perez. "She's the realization of the American dream."

Sotomayor's humble background and distinguished legal career are also providing a lesson for students at George I. Sanchez High School, which is operated by the Association for the Advancement of Mexican Americans.

During a 10th-grade world history class, students listened to media reports about the historic nomination.

"We need Hispanics to show us something. We need a role model especially for Latinas," said 10th-grader Catalina Gomez. "I think it's pretty amazing. I look up to her and I want to be a role model for somebody else."