Nina Mitchell, a brilliant 17-year-old from Illinois who won the best-graduating prize at DeKalb High School, has made history by becoming the first black woman to do so. With a stellar 4.549 GPA, Nina Mitchell shattered the old record for 159 years.
Meanwhile, Nina Mitchell said she is pleased with her accomplishments since they have made her a role model for young black girls.
“I was very humbled and honoured. I am representing Black students and female students. They can look up to me and say, ‘Wow. Nina did it, so I can do it.’ That was important for me,” she disclosed to GMA.
Throughout her time in school, the brilliant young woman excelled academically and significantly contributed to her community.
She was a member of the Spanish Club, served as president of the Key Club and Honor Society, and was on the principal’s advisory board.
Grandmother Pearlene Carter, who is now 75 years old, graduated first in her class from Coldwater, Mississippi’s Walker High School, in 1959. Nina called her an inspiration for her accomplishments.
“I didn’t get here alone. My parents always set me up for success, and my brothers inspire me to do better,” she said.
“My grandma has always been an inspiration for me and a role model. She’s a force to be reckoned with. She’s always bragged about me to her friends and has made me feel so loved,” Nina added.
Her father, Darren Mitchell, expressed happiness to see his daughter achieve her goal of graduating at the top of the class.
“I know Nina has gotten a lot of attention for her academic achievement and leadership skills, but I’m most proud of my daughter because she is a good person,” Mitchell told GMA.
Her father, Darren Mitchell, expressed his delight in seeing his daughter accomplish her objective of receiving the top grade at graduation.
