Meet the Spelman Seven crossing the stage as valedictorians together

Spelman College’s Seven Co-Valedictorians Share a Historic Moment of Unity

Meet the Spelman Seven crossing the stage – On Sunday, Spelman College will witness a rare and powerful scene as seven women step onto the stage together, each bearing the title of co-valedictorian. This milestone not only shatters the institution’s previous record for the most valedictorians in a single graduating class but also highlights the strength of their collective bond. For these seven, the moment is more than an academic achievement—it is a testament to their resilience, shared goals, and the unwavering support they’ve built over years of academic rigor.

The Emotional Tapestry of a Shared Triumph

As one student starts to weep, the rest of the group responds in unison. Tears flow freely, and the others reach for tissues from their bags. Nia-Sarai Perry, one of the seven, told CNN that the occasion is “a time filled with emotion.” Five years ago, Perry had no certainty that her mother, a breast cancer survivor, would live to see her walk across the stage. Today, that fear has transformed into triumph, and Perry joins six fellow graduates in sharing the honor of co-valedictorian.

“Having this title with six others is a gift,” Perry reflected. “I hate doing things alone. So of course, I’m not standing here alone.”

Each of the seven valedictorians emphasizes the importance of solidarity in their journey. They describe how their sisterhood has been a source of strength, even as they competed for academic excellence. Davis, for instance, said she would never have reached this point without the encouragement of her peers. “We’ve lifted each other up,” she explained. “This isn’t just about individual success—it’s about the community that made it possible.”

Stories of Ambition and Connection

Aiyana Ringo, who secured her spot with the help of a full-ride scholarship, shared how her academic drive was fueled by the desire to prove herself. “I wanted to make the most of every opportunity,” she said, adding that the responsibility of maintaining a perfect GPA was a constant challenge. Similarly, Alyssa Richardson, aspiring to become a doctor, described her pursuit of excellence as a path of dedication and sacrifice.

Cori’Anna White, who will begin law school in the fall, pointed to the valedictorians’ journey as a celebration of Black excellence. “We’ve been pushed to rise above,” she said. “Especially in a time when Black women face so many struggles, this moment is a reminder that we are the dreamers our ancestors fought for.”

“Especially in a time in which we as Black women are facing so much plight … we are our ancestors’ wildest dreams and that we’re making the difference and choice to change the world,” White added.

For Alexis Sims, the milestone was both a personal victory and a symbol of her deepening relationships with the group. She had listed “4.0 GPA” as a goal on her Excel spreadsheet, a visual reminder of the pressure she faced. “It’s not just about grades,” Sims said. “It’s about carrying the weight of our shared aspirations and knowing we have each other’s backs.”

Roots in Community and Legacy

Though the Spelman Seven formed their bond only recently, their connection has been growing for years. Davis, one of the first to enter the college with a clear vision of success, redefined what it means to be the best. “I learned that being the best isn’t just about grades,” she said. “It’s about lifting others along the way.” This philosophy became a cornerstone of their group’s dynamic.

Stories of their early interactions paint a picture of mutual support. Diallo recalled how White once unknowingly cheered her on during a creative slump. “I didn’t realize it at the time, but her presence gave me the energy I needed,” Diallo shared. “That moment stayed with me.”

“I can’t wait until we’re future lawyers, future executives, future musicians, future directors, future doctors, in which we’re able to call each other, go to each other’s weddings, each other’s baby showers, because this is a lifelong commitment,” White said.

Similarly, Perry and Sims have become confidants, often discussing challenges in informal settings like parking lots or the cafeteria. Perry once confided in Sims about an A minus that could jeopardize her perfect GPA. “I was just done,” Perry admitted. “I just wanted to get across the stage.”

“Sims reminded me of how hard I’d worked for the past three years,” Perry said. “‘Nia, this small little finish, like you are so, so close to something that is so meaningful.'”

Their shared journey is also a reflection of Spelman’s broader mission. As an all-female historically Black college, it has long been a beacon for academic excellence and cultural pride. This year’s valedictorians exemplify that legacy, their achievements rooted in a community that values both individual and collective growth.

A Historic Donation and a New Chapter

Just days before their graduation, the Spelman Seven also celebrated a landmark gift to their institution. Spelman College announced a $100 million donation, believed to be the largest single contribution ever received by a historically Black college. The funds will support scholarships, research initiatives, and infrastructure, ensuring that future generations of students can follow in the footsteps of these trailblazers.

While the valedictorians’ stories are filled with personal triumph, they also underscore the role of Spelman in nurturing their ambitions. Davis, who once rode the bus alone in Brooklyn, New York, now sees her journey as part of a larger narrative. “We were two of the few Black girls in a tough middle school,” she said. “It was hard to feel like we belonged, but we made it work.”

For the seven women, the culmination of their efforts is not just about personal accolades. It’s about honoring the sacrifices of those who came before them and paving the way for others. “This is all of the people that have poured into us,” Davis said. “It’s the forces, the love, the companionship that got us here.”

As they prepare to step onto the stage, the Spelman Seven are already looking ahead. They envision a future where their achievements will inspire a new wave of leaders. “We’ll be there for each other in every step of life,” Perry said. “This is more than a graduation—it’s a beginning.”

With their paths intertwined and their goals aligned, the Spelman Seven stand as a powerful reminder of what can be achieved when ambition meets unity. Their story is not just about academic success but about the enduring strength of sisterhood in the face of challenges, and the legacy they leave behind will resonate far beyond the campus grounds.