A young lady named Alecia Washington has broken the 100-year-old record of R.J. Reynolds High School, North Carolina in the United States after becoming the first-ever black valedictorian of the school.

The young African-American girl graduated with top honours from R.J. Reynolds High School, North Carolina in the United States.

While a student, Alecia was an active student as she was involved in extracurricular activities throughout her time in high school, serving in the Ebon Society, as vice president of the Student Government Association, and as a member of Youth Grant Makers and helping create grants for student-led organizations.

“I was able to be a voice for those who didn’t feel like they were heard. I was able to bring that to my principal and bring that to the school board members if we wanted to make change,” she explained.

Alecia is very proud of the historic achievement; she hopes to continue inspiring other Blak students.

“When I started thinking, this is so much bigger than me, like representation matters. I know that’s important. I know from experience, representation definitely matters. When you see somebody that looks like you, and something you want to do, or passionate about, it makes a huge difference. It’s not something I take lightly at all,” Alecia said.

Lavonya Washington, Alecia’s mother, said she’s very proud of Alecia, she appreciated those who paved the way for her daughter to be the first black to be admitted into the high school.