The list of Africans breaking limits globally has again appreciated as an exceptional Nigerian girl, Tobechukwu Tobi Phillips has graduated from Alvin High School in Texas, United States as the first-ever black valedictorian in the school’s 125-year history.
Remarkably, Tobechukwu broke the school’s record after securing an outstanding 6.9 cumulative GPA on a 4.0 scale, placing her at the top of the class. The history maker is one of the only 86 black students out of the school’s 2,800 students.
According to the school’s records, Tobechukwu earned A’s in all her courses throughout her 4-year study.
Harping on the feat, she stated that maintaining her position at the top of the class was not easy. “Maintaining the highest GPA in my class is a difficult task. It truly takes time management but more importantly acknowledging what you do it for. I know that I am no longer just representing myself,” she said.
Tobechukwu is not only good in the classroom. She plays volleyball, runs track and is a Sunday School teacher at her church. She’s also a member of the Rho Kappa Honor Society, the president of the National Honor Society and an AP ambassador.
Following her academic exploits, she is one of the 16 students selected from 4,000 applicants to receive a Full-Ride Forty Acre Scholarship to attend the University of Texas at Austin, United States.
However, her journey so far has not been a bed of roses she had to deal with a number of challenges and jeers from her peers. But, she managed to brace all these odds and achieve her goal.
She plans to one day own her own clinic as a pediatric nurse practitioner. As a valedictorian, Tobi had a useful word of advice for other youths like her.
The history maker said “My biggest advice to other scholars of color is to truly adopt the mindset of Rosa Parks — ‘No.’ Do not conform to the stereotypes that have held us under thumbs for so long. Do not be discouraged when someone speaks out against you, simply allow what they say to fuel your fire. But more than anything, do not remain tight-lipped. Stand up for what you believe in and take it upon yourself to be the change you’ve always wanted. Say ‘No’ to the ways of the world and stick out.”
