Meet the Spelman Seven crossing the stage as valedictorians together

Spelman Seven: A Collective Triumph at Graduation

Meet the Spelman Seven crossing the stage – On the day of Spelman College’s commencement, the air buzzed with a mix of pride and emotion as seven women stood together on the stage, each holding the title of valedictorian. The sight was unprecedented, breaking the college’s own record for the most valedictorians in a single class. For Nia-Sarai Perry, the moment was deeply personal. Five years prior, she had faced uncertainty about whether her mother, a breast cancer survivor, would witness her walk across the stage. Now, she shares the honor with six others, their shared success a testament to resilience and unity.

The Spelman Seven—Aiyana Ringo, Alyssa Richardson, Cori’Anna White, Sophia Davis, Mariama Diallo, and Alexis Sims—have not only achieved academic excellence but also forged a bond that transcends individual triumph. Their journey to this moment was marked by mutual support, with each graduate expressing how their collective efforts have shaped their accomplishments. “I love the fact that I don’t have to carry this weight alone,” Perry reflected, highlighting her preference for collaboration over solitude. “I hate doing things alone. So of course, I’m not valedictorian alone.”

Seated side by side, the group emphasized their commitment to uplifting one another. Though their camaraderie might appear well-rehearsed, the Spelman Seven had little time to prepare. Their sisterhood, however, was cultivated over years, rooted in shared struggles and aspirations. Sophia Davis, for instance, arrived at Spelman with a vision of becoming the best, even if she hadn’t yet defined what that meant for herself. Aiyana Ringo aimed to maximize her full-ride scholarship, while Alexis Sims wrote “4.0 GPA” beside a checkbox on her Excel wish list. Sims acknowledged the pressure of maintaining perfection, noting that one exam could derail their collective achievement. “One test, any assignment, and it could all fall apart,” she said, underscoring the stakes.

Yet, for Davis, the pursuit of excellence wasn’t just about grades. She redefined success as knowing when to pause and invest in those who had invested in her. “It’s not just about being the best for myself,” she explained, “but recognizing that my journey has been supported by others.” This sentiment resonated throughout the group, as they prepared to stand on stage not just as individuals, but as a united force representing their families, mentors, and communities. “This is all of the people that have poured into us,” Davis added, “all of the love, all of the companionship that has gotten us to this moment.”

Cori’Anna White, who will begin law school this fall, framed their shared honor as a celebration of Black excellence. “Especially in a time when Black women face so much adversity,” she said, “we are our ancestors’ wildest dreams. We’re making the choice to change the world.” The group’s collective success is a reflection of the broader struggles and achievements of Black women in academia. Their journey from students to valedictorians mirrors the perseverance of generations who have fought to break barriers in education and beyond.

Among their notable achievements, the Spelman Seven also extended their impact beyond the campus. At North Carolina State University’s graduation ceremony, donor Anil Kochhar announced a generous gesture: covering all student loans for graduates of Wilson College of Textiles during the 2025-2026 academic year. This was done in honor of Kochhar’s father, Prakash Chand Kochhar, who attended NC State 80 years ago to further his textiles education. While not directly connected to the Spelman Seven, this act highlights the ripple effect of academic success, inspiring future generations with tangible support.

Despite their academic accolades, the group’s bond is built on shared challenges. Nia-Sarai Perry and Alexis Sims often confided in each other, whether in the school cafeteria or a parking lot, calling their conversations “hold court.” When Perry revealed she had earned an A minus in a critical class, nearly breaking her 4.0 GPA streak, Sims reminded her of the effort she had put in. “Nia, this small finish,” Sims said, “like you are so, so close to something that is so meaningful.” This encouragement led Perry to retake the course, solidifying her valedictorian status. Their mutual support, both on and off the stage, is a cornerstone of their collective success.

Meanwhile, Mariama Diallo recounted a moment that symbolized their interconnectedness. She recalled how Cori’Anna White once unknowingly cheered her on during a creative slump. “That night, I went home and cried about how White gave me the energy I needed,” Diallo shared. “It was like a spark that reminded me why I started this journey.” Such instances, small yet significant, illustrate the unspoken understanding between them. They are not just classmates; they are a sisterhood that has navigated academic and personal challenges together.

The Spelman Seven’s story is also a reflection of their early experiences. A decade ago, Diallo and Davis were two of the few Black girls in a Brooklyn, New York, middle school known for its academic rigor. “We were young people that didn’t always fit into these environments,” Davis admitted, “but we kept pushing forward, proving that excellence is possible even in the face of adversity.” Their shared history of overcoming obstacles has prepared them for the challenges of higher education, where their support system has been both a shield and a source of strength.

As the group prepares to step into the next chapter of their lives, their aspirations are as diverse as their paths. Alyssa Richardson, eyeing a career in medicine, spoke of the responsibility that comes with their achievement. “We’re not just celebrating ourselves,” she said, “but the legacy we’re building for others.” Sophia Davis, who now studies the intersection of music, art, and the environment, envisioned a future where her work could inspire change. “This isn’t just a personal milestone,” she added, “it’s a moment that carries the weight of all the people who believed in us.”

For the Spelman Seven, graduation is more than a ceremony—it’s a culmination of years of dedication, a celebration of sisterhood, and a pledge to continue uplifting one another. As they step onto the stage, the sight of seven women sharing the same honor will be a symbol of what collective effort can achieve. “I can’t wait until we’re future lawyers, future executives, future musicians, future directors, future doctors,” Cori’Anna White said. “In those moments, we’ll be able to call each other, attend each other’s weddings, and celebrate every step of our journeys. This is a lifelong commitment.”

Their story is a reminder that excellence is not a solitary pursuit. It is shaped by the hands that lift you, the voices that encourage you, and the love that fuels your drive. As they walk across the stage, the Spelman Seven carry with them not just academic honors, but the legacy of a community that has always supported the rise of Black women in the spotlight. Their journey is a testament to the power of unity, proving that when you stand together, the heights you reach are far greater than any single individual could achieve alone.