Kianya James’ Valedictorian status is byproduct of hard work

At the beginning of her time at Eastside High School, Kianya James entered with high expectations for herself. But she never aspired for claiming the top spot in her graduating class.

Nevertheless, James acknowledges that it was her personal drive that resulted in her being the class of 2023’s valedictorian.

“I put my all into doing my best, and I also took as many additional classes as I could because I enjoyed the results it gave me,” James said. “Family and friends always encouraged me to pursue being valedictorian, but I knew that no matter my rank, I would still make my supporters and myself proud.”

James remained focused on her hard work so much that, when the announcement came, she was “pleasantly surprised.”

“I was a bit stunned at first, but I just couldn’t stop smiling when I heard all my friends cheering for me,” James said. “Earning this title has really made me see just how many people have been rooting for me.”

Throughout James’ time as an Eastside student, she has been greatly involved in extracurricular activities. She has participated in The Pride of Eastside marching band — James has been the saxophone section leader since her sophomore year — the concert band, the Eastside Emeralds Step Team, Drama Team and the Oxford Acting Company. Additionally, James has been a member of the Beta Club, Key Club, Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA), Math Team and the National Honor Society.

On top of all that involvement outside of the classroom, James has also taken on dual enrollment classes at Georgia State’s Newton County campus as well as many advanced placement courses.

With all of this experience, James says she feels ready for college.

“Attending Eastside has prepared me for college in many ways,” James said. “We have amazing AP teachers who have elevated my education and brought me to where I am today. Because of the scores I made on my tests, I am able to start off college with credits and experience. Dual Enrollment has given me the chance to interact with college students and grow accustomed to the nature of a college class environment.”

Next up for James is going to Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. She plans to major in graphic design with a minor in computer science.

Her long-term career goals are to become a website designer or an advertisement designer to work on global projects.

But James’ graduation from Eastside High will be a bittersweet occasion.

“I will definitely miss all of my friends. None of my friends are heading to Ohio, so it will be a whole new experience for me,” James said. “Spending time with my friends during high school has been a joy that is impossible to equate to words. I’ll definitely be keeping in touch with everyone in Covington, but I’ll miss all of the time we spent together.” And, though she will miss many people once she moves nearly 600 miles away, James has great anticipation for what this new chapter holds for her.

“I am excited to meet new people and explore the world. I hope to study abroad and pursue what makes me happy,” James said. “I am so grateful to have the chance to achieve my dreams. I’m a bit nervous, but I know this is the right step, and I am excited to use the skills I’ve gained as I advance in my education.”

Yale-bound Dhakiya Knights ‘overjoyed’ at top-of-the-class distinction

Dhakiya Knights’ dream began in middle school. That was when she began thinking about finishing as her high school’s valedictorian one day.

“I first started taking high school classes in middle school, and I remained mindful that what I did could impact me in my senior year in high school,” Knights said.

But while that specific goal was birthed somewhere around the sixth and seventh grade, Knights says she’s wanted to be a high achiever since even before middle school days.

“My desire to achieve at a high level in the classroom began in elementary school,” she said. “I was shy, but I found confidence in my academic performance. The classroom was where I could shine, so I always felt the need to give it my all. As I got older, that naturally progressed into a competitive spirit, so when I first heard about valedictorians, I thought, ‘why not try to perform at my best and see what I can achieve when I set my mind to it?’”

Here’s just a bit of what she’s accomplished: Newton High star student, Second Honors at the Georgia Science and Engineering Fair, Georgia Scholar, Emory University NextGen Intern, certified biotechnician assistant, Governor’s Honor’s Program Communicative Arts Finalist, College Board National African American Recognition Program Scholar and Biotechnology and allied health and medicine pathway completion.

And that’s just to name a few.

Knights will graduate from Newton High School and the Newton College and Career Academy’s STEM Institute later in May and will go on to attend Yale University in New Haven, Connecticut. She says her college decision taught her a lot about herself and helped clarify her future aspirations.

“Making this [college] selection took much introspection,”

Class of 2023

Knights said. “I decided to select a university where I would be comfortable yet challenged while preparing for my life after college. Bulldog Days at Yale ultimately led me to my decision. During those three days in New Haven, I pushed myself out of my comfort zone, and between events, I spent a generous amount of time walking and thinking.”

Now, she realizes that she’s left a path for other students coming up behind her to follow. With that comes a desire to leave behind some advice that she found helpful over the last four years. One piece of advice is finding a strong support system.

“The support from my family has helped me tremendously,” she said. “They make it a priority to grand me any resource within their means to achieve my educational goals. They provided emotional support too. I sometimes got carried away with work and deadlines, leading to me getting overwhelmed. Whenever that I happened, I knew I had my immediate and extended family to lean on.” She also encourages students to dream big but also find time to take time for themselves.

“Have a plan of what you want for your high school experience, but don’t be afraid to stray from it,” she said. “There’s so much more to high school than resumes and accolades. Find a supportive community that will push you, join activies you love, and most importantly, take breaks. Those four years will go by quickly without you having to rush through it.”