Spelman College makes history with seven valedictorians in the class of 2026

ATLANTA — Spelman College has made history, naming seven valedictorians in its Class of 2026. The group is the largest ever recorded at the historically Black women’s college. Each graduate earned a perfect 4.0 GPA.

The group, known as the “Spelman Seven,” includes Alexis Sims, Nia‑Sarai Perry, Cori’Anna White, Aiyana Ringo, Alyssa Richardson, Sophia Davis and Mariama Diallo. They entered Spelman together in fall 2022. They completed their degrees with top honors across fields including sociology, political science, biochemistry and filmmaking.

Spelman Seven Valedictorians Reflect on Sisterhood and Academic Rigor

In an interview with Atlanta Constitution Journal, the graduates said the achievement reflects Spelman’s culture of excellence and community.

“Being able to embrace this moment with six fellow valedictorians is an experience that I can’t compare to anything else,” said Cori’Anna White, who plans to attend Columbia Law School.

Alyssa Richardson, who will attend the University of Pennsylvania’s Perelman School of Medicine on a full scholarship, called the moment “full circle.” She noted that she also graduated at the top of her high school class.

Sociology major Aiyana Ringo said the accomplishment highlights the brilliance of Black women scholars. “Seeing seven Black women accomplish that shows our excellence,” she told the Atlanta Journal‑Constitution.

A Record‑Setting Moment for the College

Spelman has named multiple valedictorians in recent years. The college named four in 2025 and five in 2022. It has never named seven. This year’s record reflects the academic intensity and collaborative environment that students credit for their success.

The seven graduates received recognition during commencement weekend. They described their four years as a period shaped by discipline, late‑night study sessions and unwavering sisterhood.