Trinity Asberry, a senior at Rusk High School in Rusk, Texas, has achieved a historic milestone by becoming the school’s first Black valedictorian in its 20-year history. Her journey to this accomplishment is not only a testament to her academic prowess but also a story of resilience, determination, and the unwavering support of her family and community.
Upon learning of her achievement, Trinity immediately shared the news with her family, only to be met with the revelation that she might have made history. Her grandmother’s words sparked a quest for validation, leading Trinity to delve into the school’s archives and consult with various sources, including the NAACP and community members. Despite initial challenges in finding conclusive evidence, Trinity’s determination prevailed, ultimately confirming her status as the trailblazing valedictorian.
Trinity’s father, George Andrew Asberry, expressed immense pride in his daughter’s groundbreaking accomplishment, emphasizing its significance not only for Trinity but also for the entire Rusk community. He highlighted the role of Trinity’s late mother in laying the foundation for her success and his commitment to prioritizing Trinity’s well-being and academic pursuits.
Throughout her academic journey, Trinity found inspiration and support from dedicated teachers who played pivotal roles in her life. From Mrs. Turlington, her third-grade teacher who provided solace after the loss of her mother, to Dr. Hawkins, her first Black teacher, Trinity encountered mentors who believed in her potential and encouraged her to excel both academically and personally.
Dr. Hawkins, Trinity’s Anatomy and Physiology Dual Credit teacher, commended her resilience and motivation, noting how her personal challenges fueled her determination to succeed and inspire others. Trinity’s involvement in extracurricular activities further underscored her multifaceted talents and her ability to balance academic excellence with a vibrant school life.
As the first Black valedictorian at Rusk High School, Trinity aims to serve as a beacon of hope and empowerment for future generations, particularly minority students. She envisions a future where opportunities are accessible to all, regardless of race or background, and where every student is empowered to pursue their dreams relentlessly.
Trinity’s journey does not end with her high school graduation; rather, it marks the beginning of a new chapter filled with endless possibilities. With plans to attend Texas Southern University’s pre-nursing program and eventually pursue a bachelor’s degree in nursing, Trinity remains committed to her academic and professional goals, fueled by the unwavering support of her family and community.
In Trinity Asberry, Rusk High School has not only found a distinguished valedictorian but also a trailblazer who embodies resilience, determination, and the power of perseverance. As she prepares to embark on the next phase of her journey, Trinity’s story serves as a source of inspiration and empowerment for generations to come, reminding us all that with dedication, hard work, and unwavering belief in oneself, anything is possible.
In the realm of technology, where innovation knows no bounds, one young Nigerian prodigy is making waves that transcend age barriers. Emmanuella Mayaki, at the tender age of 13, has achieved what many could only dream of—acceptance into Mary Baldwin University in the United States, with plans to graduate as a Computer Scientist at a remarkable age of 16.
Hailing from Nigeria, Emmanuella’s journey into the world of technology began at a remarkably young age. By the age of seven, she had already exhibited a keen aptitude for computer skills, mastering advanced programs such as Computer Publishing, Advanced Excel, Adobe Page Maker, Advanced PowerPoint, and CorelDraw. Her insatiable curiosity and thirst for knowledge led her to delve deeper into the realm of web development, where she honed her skills in HTML, CSS, JavaScript, JQuery, WordPress, PHP, MySQL, Graphic Design, Java, and Python.
Emmanuella’s passion for technology wasn’t solely confined to personal advancement. Recognizing the importance of empowering others, especially young girls, she embarked on a mission to share her knowledge and skills with her community. At the age of 10, she founded the Information Communications Technology Academy for girls in Abuja, Nigeria, with a vision of bridging the digital divide and providing sustainable empowerment for the girl child.
Her dedication to empowering others didn’t go unnoticed. In 2019, Emmanuella made headlines when she was appointed as a teacher at Southfields Primary School in Coventry, England, at the age of just 10. Her expertise and passion for technology quickly earned her recognition as a coding and programming prodigy, inspiring both her peers and educators alike. Read more about Emmanuella here.
