In addition to having the unique opportunity to receive their diplomas on stage, graduating students at R.J. Reynolds High School in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, will do so under the leadership of the school’s first black valedictorian in its 100-year history.
The Triad Senior who received this prestigious award is Alecia Washington. The graduate claims that while her accomplishment is remarkable in and of itself, she thinks it is more significant because it influences and motivates younger students who look like her, especially those in impoverished regions.
Washington told Winston-Salem’s NBC affiliate, WXII 12 News, “This is so much greater than me. “I can say from personal experience that representation matters. It makes a significant difference when you see someone who resembles you doing or being passionate about something that you want to do. I don’t even somewhat take it lightly.
It’s no secret that Black kids have frequently been passed over for this honour, thus, this occasion serves as a crucial illustration of how students like Washington can remove obstacles that our community faces.
According to Girls United, she wrote in the Instagram caption, “This is a historic moment that I’m sure my ancestors are very proud of and would say job well done.” “I give thanks to God for his direction and my wonderful family, friends, and support network. On Sunday, we will celebrate this outstanding class of 2023’s graduation.”
Cristen Wiley, a steadfast supporter and school counsellor, and her family at home, especially her great-grandmother, who taught her a crucial lesson, are among the community of supporters Washington credits with helping to make this milestone possible.
Washington’s great-grandmother gave her the advice, “If you’re going to invest in anything, invest in yourself,” she recalled. Invest in a good education and broaden your knowledge because those things are irreplaceable.
Lavonya Washington, Washington’s mother, was overcome with emotion as she learned of her daughter’s accomplishment and thought of Gwendolyn Bailey, the first African American student to walk the halls of the high school following desegregation’s beginning in the 1960s.
“[Gwendolyn] provided Alecia with a solid basis. I consider the difficulties she encountered while she was a student, which allowed Alecia to hold this position now,” Lavonya reportedly stated.
During her time at Reynolds High School, Washington was active in some groups that support young people in underserved areas. Involved in these organisations were the Ebon Society, the Student Government Association, where she served as vice president, and Youth Grant Makers in Action, where she assisted in establishing grants for student-run organisations.
“I was able to speak up for others who didn’t think their voices were being heard. Washington told the NBC affiliate, “I was allowed to bring it to my principal and bring that to the school board members if we wanted to make a change.
Washington will also have graduated twice in the previous two months, having just earned an associate’s degree at the nearby Forsyth Technical Community College.
The former senior in high school is now off to college and will enroll at the University of North Carolina in Charlotte this autumn on a full academic scholarship thanks to the Levine Scholars Programme.
Her intended studies there will support her goals of pursuing a medical career as a paediatric nurse anaesthetist.
A new chapter has begun. I’m becoming an adult. In college, I’ll be living independently. Washington stated, “I’m anxious about graduation but also excited.
