Meet the Spelman Seven crossing the stage as valedictorians together
Meet the Spelman Seven crossing the stage as valedictorians together
Meet the Spelman Seven crossing the stage – At Spelman College’s graduation ceremony, a wave of emotion swept through the crowd as seven women stood side by side, sharing the same honor of co-valedictorian. The moment was marked by synchronized tears and shared gestures of comfort, with some clutching tissues from their bags while others openly wept. Nia-Sarai Perry, one of the graduates, told CNN, “It’s an emotional time.” Five years ago, Perry didn’t know if her mother, a breast cancer survivor, would witness her walk across the stage. Now, she stands alongside six peers, breaking a long-standing record at the historically Black college.
The Shared Sisterhood
The Spelman Seven—Aiyana Ringo, Alyssa Richardson, Cori’Anna White, Sophia Davis, Mariama Diallo, and Alexis Sims—have achieved something unprecedented. Their collective success not only shattered the school’s previous record for the most valedictorians in a single class but also symbolized a profound bond forged over years of shared challenges and triumphs. “I love the fact that I don’t have to do this alone,” Perry said, reflecting on the support system that made their accomplishment possible. “I hate doing things alone. So of course, I’m not valedictorian alone.”
“I hate doing things alone. So of course, I’m not valedictorian alone.”
Seated together, the group emphasized their unity, declaring that their achievements are not individual but collective. “We’ll stand for hundreds—our mothers, fathers, siblings, and ancestors,” said Sophia Davis, who aspires to research the intersections of music, art, and the environment. “This is all of the people that have poured into us.” Her words captured the essence of their journey, which began long before the final exams of their senior year.
Paths to Excellence
Each of the seven women described their own path to academic success, yet their stories intertwine with a common thread of resilience. Aiyana Ringo, who secured a full-ride scholarship, aimed to make the most of her opportunity. She filled an Excel spreadsheet with “4.0 GPA” alongside a checklist of aspirations, including becoming a lawyer. “I didn’t want to put that pressure on myself,” Ringo said, highlighting the weight of their collective goal. Similarly, Mariama Diallo and Cori’Anna White, who will pursue law school and medicine, respectively, shared how their determination was fueled by the vision of a better future.
“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.”
Alyssa Richardson, a prospective doctor, and Alexis Sims, who finally checked off her “4.0 GPA” checkbox, both acknowledged the high stakes of their academic endeavors. “One exam, any assignment could jeopardize becoming a valedictorian,” Sims noted, underscoring the precision required to maintain their perfect records. Their shared experiences, however, extended beyond academic rigor. For instance, Diallo recounted how White once unknowingly cheered her on during a creative slump, a moment that inspired her to persevere. “That night, I went home and cried about how White gave me the energy I needed,” Diallo said.
A Legacy of Support
The Spelman Seven’s achievements are not just a reflection of their individual efforts but also a testament to the strength of their camaraderie. Nia-Sarai Perry, who initially felt the burden of her own journey, found solace in her peers. “When I was asked if I was surprised to see Diallo become valedictorian beside me, we all laughed,” Perry recalled. “But it was the way we supported each other that made the difference.” During their junior year, Perry confided in Sims about an A minus grade that could threaten their 4.0 GPA. “I was just done,” Perry said. “Just get me across the stage.”
“I was just done. Just get me across the stage.”
Sims, however, reminded Perry of the effort she had invested over three years. “‘Nia, this small little finish, like you are so, so close to something that is so meaningful,’” Sims quoted. Her encouragement pushed Perry to retake the class she’d earned a 93 in, a decision that solidified their valedictorian status. This kind of mutual support became a hallmark of their group, even as they faced the pressures of high achievement.
A Honor Beyond the Stage
While the Spelman Seven’s success is celebrated in their own right, it also resonates with a broader narrative of Black excellence. Cori’Anna White, who will begin law school this fall, framed their accomplishment as a celebration of collective progress. “We are our ancestors’ wildest dreams,” she said, emphasizing the legacy of perseverance that guided them. The group’s bond was further strengthened by shared experiences, such as a decade-old memory of riding the bus together in Brooklyn, New York, as two of the few Black girls in an academically challenging middle school.
“We are our ancestors’ wildest dreams and that we’re making the difference and choice to change the world.”
These early struggles, Davis noted, shaped their understanding of what it means to excel. “Throughout the four years, I wrote my own definition of what it means to be the best,” she said. “It’s about knowing when to take time to pour into the people who have poured into you.” This philosophy became a guiding principle for the group, helping them navigate the demands of their studies while maintaining a sense of purpose.
Looking Ahead
As they prepare to step into their next chapters, the Spelman Seven envision a future where their achievements ripple beyond their own lives. “I can’t wait until we’re future lawyers, future executives, future musicians, future directors, future doctors,” said White, reflecting on the possibility of their continued collaboration. “We’ll be able to call each other, go to each other’s weddings, and celebrate every milestone.” This vision of lifelong support underscores the depth of their connection, which has been tested by the rigors of their academic paths.
Their story also highlights the significance of their accomplishments in a wider context. At North Carolina State University, a donor named Anil Kochhar announced a generous gesture—covering all student loans for Wilson College of Textiles graduates during the 2025-2026 academic year. This was in honor of Kochhar’s father, Prakash Chand Kochhar, who attended NC State 80 years ago to advance his textiles education. While this event occurred at a different institution, it mirrors the broader trend of recognizing the contributions of Black women in education and beyond.
For the Spelman Seven, their shared journey is a reminder that success is often a team effort. Whether it’s through late-night discussions in the cafeteria or moments of encouragement in a parking lot, their support for one another has been instrumental. As they graduate, they carry not only the weight of their academic achievements but also the promise of a future where they continue to uplift and inspire. Their story is one of resilience, sisterhood, and the unyielding pursuit of excellence—qualities that define their path forward.
