At just 18 years old, Nyasia Jordan has etched her name into history as the first Black valedictorian of Springfield Central High School in its 32-year history. With a remarkable 4.47 GPA and a 1,310 SAT score, Nyasia’s success has transcended personal and systemic challenges, earning her a $288,000 scholarship to Harvard University. Her journey is a testament to perseverance, grit, and an unyielding commitment to academic and personal excellence.
A Story of Triumph Over Adversity
Nyasia’s achievements are even more inspiring when viewed against the backdrop of her childhood struggles. Growing up in poverty, she experienced financial instability and frequent relocations, living in at least four different homes, including a shelter. She attended three elementary schools and three middle schools, each transition requiring her to adapt while keeping her academic focus intact.
Her family’s financial struggles were constant. Nyasia’s father, a landscaper, provided as much as he could until his untimely passing from prostate cancer in 2014, when Nyasia was a freshman in high school. His death marked a turning point in her life, both emotionally and financially. Despite this loss, Nyasia used it as fuel to push herself further. Balancing academics and extracurricular activities, she remained unwavering in her goal to excel.
Excellence Beyond the Classroom
Nyasia’s resume reflects a student who not only excelled academically but also dedicated herself to her school and community. A determined leader and organizer, she was involved in numerous extracurricular activities:
- Tutor from eighth grade through graduation
- Manager for three varsity sports teams after being a two-sport athlete
- President of the Gender Equality Club, successfully advocating for gender-neutral bathrooms at her school
- Member of the National Honor Society and National Math Society
- Organizer for Relay for Life, contributing to cancer awareness and fundraising
- Community Mentor, partnering with the New England Patriots to teach middle school students violence prevention
Even amidst this flurry of activities, Nyasia worked four to five days a week at Donut Dip in East Longmeadow, Massachusetts, starting at age 16 to support her family while her mother faced unemployment.
Her senior year was particularly demanding. Nyasia took four Advanced Placement (AP) courses, including AP Literature, AP Calculus, AP Chemistry, and AP Physics. Over her high school career, she completed six AP courses, a decision she made to build a strong academic foundation for college.
Breaking Barriers and Shattering Stereotypes
Nyasia’s historic achievement as Springfield Central High School’s first Black valedictorian challenges the status quo in a school where nearly 70% of students identify as Black or Hispanic. Despite this diversity, valedictorians in previous years had been predominantly White or Asian, reflecting systemic inequities in access to advanced placement courses.
Through hard work and participation in Central’s AP initiatives, Nyasia broke these barriers. Her journey shines a light on the importance of representation and opportunity for minority students.
However, Nyasia’s success did not come without challenges. As a Black woman in America, she encountered stereotypes and societal biases. Growing up, she was often labeled as a “white girl trapped in a Black girl’s body” because of her academic excellence and interests. Initially, she accepted these comments as compliments, but over time, she recognized them as backhanded and rooted in harmful stereotypes.
Nyasia used her valedictorian speech to challenge these perceptions and to uplift her peers. She celebrated other Black female graduates in her class, recognizing their unique achievements and emphasizing the importance of breaking barriers together.
Earning Her Place at Harvard
Nyasia’s acceptance into Harvard University and the accompanying $288,000 scholarship are a reflection of her unparalleled determination and exceptional achievements. The scholarship, amounting to $72,000 annually, was awarded based on both her academic accomplishments and her family’s financial situation.
“A lot of people would like to say that my skin color is what they saw in me,” Nyasia noted candidly, addressing the misconception that her race alone contributed to her success. However, she believes it was her drive to overcome adversity and strive for excellence that truly caught Harvard’s attention.
Nyasia plans to major in Chemistry or Neurobiology—or perhaps both—with the ultimate goal of pursuing a career in research and medicine. Her passion for science and education underscores her commitment to creating meaningful change.
A Legacy of Resilience and Inspiration
Nyasia Jordan’s story is a powerful reminder that no challenge is insurmountable. Her journey—from a childhood of poverty and uncertainty to becoming valedictorian and earning a scholarship to one of the world’s most prestigious universities—is a beacon of hope for students everywhere.
As she prepares to enter Harvard University, Nyasia’s legacy will continue to inspire others to dream big, work hard, and rise above the barriers that society may place in their paths. Her historic achievement is not just a personal victory but a milestone for her community, her school, and for Black students across the United States.
Nyasia Jordan’s name will forever be remembered as a symbol of perseverance, excellence, and the power of education to transform lives.
Katrina Miller’s path to earning a PhD in Physics from the University of Chicago is a testament to her passion, resilience, and trailblazing contributions to science and society. As a physicist, science journalist, and advocate for women of color in STEM, she has seamlessly blended her love for the cosmos with her commitment to making science more inclusive and accessible.
Early Beginnings and Educational Milestones
Growing up in Mesa, Arizona, Katrina’s fascination with the universe began early. “I’ve been curious about the inner workings of the universe since I was six years old,” she recalls, inspired by an astronomy unit in her first-grade class. This curiosity flourished as she pursued her undergraduate studies at Duke University, earning a Bachelor of Science in Physics in 2016. It was there that her love for physics and the universe took root, setting the stage for a remarkable academic journey.
At the University of Chicago, Katrina delved into cutting-edge research, focusing on how subatomic particles called neutrinos interact with matter. Her groundbreaking work on the MicroBooNE experiment contributed to the understanding of fundamental physics questions, such as why the universe contains more matter than antimatter. These efforts culminated in her earning a PhD in Physics in 2023, a significant milestone for women of color in a field where they remain underrepresented. Read more about Katrina Miller here.
