Young Lady breaks US high school’s 100-year-old record, emerge as first-ever black Valedictorian
Alecia Washington, a young woman, became the first-ever Black valedictorian of R.J. Reynolds High School in North Carolina, breaking the school’s century-old record.
In the United States, the young African-American girl received top honors upon graduating from R.J. Reynolds High School in North Carolina.
Alecia was an active student during her high school years, participating in extracurricular activities, serving in the Ebon Society, holding the position of vice president of the Student Government Association, and participating in Youth Grant Makers, which facilitated the creation of grants for student-led organizations.
For people who didn’t feel like they were heard, I was able to speak up. If we wanted to make changes, I could present it to my principal and the members of the school board,” she said.
Alecia wishes to continue motivating other Black youngsters and is extremely pleased of the historic accomplishment.
“This is so much bigger than me,” I thought, adding that representation is important. I am aware of how crucial that is. Experience has taught me that representation is important. It makes a big difference to see someone who looks like you and is passionate about something you want to achieve. I don’t take it lightly at all,” Alecia remarked.
Alecia’s mother, Lavonya Washington, expressed her pride in her daughter and her gratitude to everyone who helped make her the first Black student accepted into the high school.
Gwendolyn Bailey was her name. Alecia’s foundation was laid by her. “I consider the difficulties she encountered as a student, and it enabled Alecia to hold this title now,” Washington remarked.
Alecia expressed her gratitude to all those who helped her along the way, particularly her great-grandmother and school counselor, who imparted valuable knowledge to her.
“Invest in yourself if you’re going to make any kind of investment. Alecia remembers her great-grandmother saying, “Invest in a good education and broaden your knowledge because that is nothing nobody can take away.”
To commemorate this momentous occasion, she wrote on her Instagram page that her family and ancestors would be pleased with her accomplishment.
“I am not the second-place valedictorian among the top two.I am the first African-American valedictorian in R.J. Reynolds’s 100-year history! My ancestors are undoubtedly pleased of this historic occasion and would say well done! I’m grateful for my family, friends, and incredible support network, and I appreciate God for his wisdom. Looking forward to Sunday’s graduation and celebration of this incredible class of 2023,” she said.
Alecia recently graduated from the nearby Forsyth Technical Community College with an associate’s degree. She intends to pursue a career as a pediatric nurse anesthetist by attending the University of North Carolina on a full scholarship.
