Being the first female to win the top graduation prize in a US school, a 17-year-old girl makes her grandmother proud

A 17-year-old girl makes her granny proud by being the first female to receive the best graduation prize in a US school.

Nina Mitchell, a talented 17-year-old from Illinois who won the best graduating prize at DeKalb High School, has made history by becoming the first black woman to do so.

With a stellar 4.549 GPA, Nina Mitchell shattered the old record that had stood for 159 years. Nina Mitchell said she is pleased of her accomplishment since it has made her a role model for young black girls.

“I felt incredibly honored and humbled. I speak for female students and students of color. They can admire me and exclaim, “Wow. I can do it because Nina did it. I thought that was incredibly essential,” she said on GMA.

While attending the school, Nina not only excelled in her academics but also made significant contributions to her neighborhood. She was a member of the Spanish Club, served as president of the Key Club and Honor Society, and was on the principal’s advisory board.

Grandmother Pearlene Carter, who is now 75 years old, graduated first in her class from Coldwater, Mississippi’s Walker High School in 1959. Nina called her an inspiration for her accomplishments.

“I wasn’t here by myself. My brothers motivate me to work harder, and my parents always set me up for success,” she remarked.

“My granny has always served as both an inspiration and a role model for me. She is a formidable opponent. Nina continued, “She often brags about me to her friends and makes me feel so loved.

Nina’s father, Darren Mitchell, expressed satisfaction to see his daughter fulfill her ambition of graduating as the top of the class. “I know Nina has gotten a lot of attention for her academic achievement and leadership s𝓀𝒾𝓁𝓁s, but why I’m most proud of my daughter is she is a good person,” Mitchell said to GMA.