Clark Atlanta University Names Native Atlantan Valedictorian

ATLANTA, GA -- Of all the hurdles and challenges, Clark Atlanta University (CAU) graduating senior Jakayla Woolridge had to overcome in her journey through high school and college, the death of her father was by far the biggest. “My dad suddenly died in my senior year of high school,” she shared in a news release. “I lost sight of what I wanted to do in life. I was a daddy’s girl and I just couldn’t move on.”

But move on she did: Now the 21-year-old Atlanta native has been named Class of 2017 valedictorian at CAU. “Being named CAU’s valedictorian proves that hard work and determination don’t go unnoticed,” she said.

Woolridge, a Carver Early Career High School alumna, will enter the professional work world as a teacher at Emma Hutchinson Elementary School. But she's not done with her education. She said that she will also pursue a master’s degree at CAU in the fall.

“CAU taught me how to balance my academics with a social life. I got the true collegiate experience with a family oriented environment,” Woodridge said.

CAU also named Adisha Penn, a political science major, as as salutatorian.

Penn said that going to a historically black school gave her something very valuable. “Being Afro-Caribbean, it was important for me to attend a HBCU.”

The St. Thomas native said, “I share and understand the history of African Americans. I understand the importance of HBCUs and the untold history of the black diaspora. CAU taught me how to be strong and persevere.”

More than 800 students will earn degrees during CAU's commencement ceremony on Monday, May 22, at 8 a.m. at Panther Stadium 735 Beckwith St. SW.

Images via Curtis McDowell/CAU