Bryan Wayah, a bright youngster, became the first African-American to receive the valedictorian award at Purcell Marian High School, shattering the previous record that had stood for ninety-one years.
Bryan graduated first in his class in 2020 with an exceptional 5.30 grade point average, making him the school’s best-graduating student overall. Being the first African American to win the prize since the institution’s founding in 1928, he created history.
Bryan not only made history, but he also participated in school activities. Basketball, track, and cross-country were his three sports, and he was the honor society president.
Geraldine Tumenta, Bryan’s grandmother, who attended his graduation ceremony, expressed her pride and smiled at seeing her grandson make history. Geraldine remarked, “We were just overjoyed that he was the first black valedictorian.”
“We cried out for him.” He demonstrated his zest for everything he has done, and for that we are blessed. We never expected this, she continued.
Bryan devoted his remarks to everyone who had supported him along the way, including his family, Ishaq Nadir, his youth basketball coach, and mentor.
It is impossible to write about how fortunate I am to be able to interact with him and watch him change history. At the pinnacle of pride, particularly in light of his academic achievements and the legacy he has built, Nadir declared.
Bryan said that while his initial goal was not to be valedictorian, he did intend to graduate with honors.
“My goal my freshman year was to be the greatest student I could be and to achieve the top grades, not to become valedictorian. The first two years were filled with many ups and downs, victories, and negativity, but I utilized that as fuel,” he remarked.
Bryan stated that he intends to continue his education at Malone University in Canton, Ohio, with the goal of becoming an orthopedic physician and continuing to play basketball.
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