Abraham Buckner has made history at St. Teresa High School, becoming its first Black valedictorian since the school’s establishment in 1913. This significant milestone marks a turning point in the school’s legacy.
Expressing his gratitude for his achievements, Abraham credits his environment and the support he received, stating, “I just feel grateful for the position I was in. Everything just goes to my environment that I was in. It just helped me build myself up to try to stay disciplined.” His exceptional 4.86 GPA is a testament to his dedication and hard work.
Beyond his academic accomplishments, Abraham has actively participated in various organizations and volunteering opportunities. Taking after his father, Brian Buckner, Abraham shares a passion for intellectual pursuits. Brian remarked, “Always a thinker, always reading. And I’m a writer, so he and I have had a lot of different discussions about a lot of things.”
Abraham draws inspiration from the late Kobe Bryant, whose untimely passing during the COVID-19 pandemic motivated him to strive for greatness. “When he died after COVID, during that whole thing, that just really pushed me to be like if I wanna go for something, I gotta go for it,” Abraham shared.
Looking ahead, Abraham plans to pursue his college education at Hampton University in Virginia. With aspirations to earn a Ph.D., he aims to contribute to the field of molecular and cellular biology, particularly focusing on research that could lead to advancements in medicine.
Proud of his son’s accomplishments, Brian Buckner expressed his admiration, stating, “I just can’t explain it. You can lead your child so far, but it’s up to them, in the end, to make us proud.” Abraham also acknowledged that perfection isn’t the goal, emphasizing the importance of learning from failures and striving for improvement.
Larry Daly, the principal of St. Teresa High School, expressed excitement about Abraham’s achievement, recognizing his hard work and positive impact on his class. “He worked hard for this. I’m excited for him; he’s a great kid and he’s done a lot for his class as well,” Daly said.
Abraham Buckner’s achievement as St. Teresa High School’s first Black valedictorian stands as a testament to his academic excellence, perseverance, and the potential for inclusivity and diversity within educational institutions.
