Top 10 Graduate
Nia Sarai Perry, C'2026, Co-valedictorian
Nia Sarai Perry, C'2026
Nia-Sarai Perry, C'2026, is a Philosophy major at Spelman College from Tallahassee, Florida and one of six valedictorians for the Class of 2026.
Graduating with a 4.0 GPA, she has distinguished
herself as a scholar, leader, and servant committed to academic excellence and community impact.
Nia-Sarai’s journey to Spelman was shaped by resilience at an early age. At just 15 years old, she became the sole caregiver to her mother during her battle with breast cancer, balancing the emotional and practical demands of supporting her mother while remaining steadfast in her academic pursuits. Even during one of the most challenging seasons of her life, Nia-Sarai remained committed to excellence, graduating from high school with a 4.6 GPA and earning the distinction of valedictorian. This formative period instilled in her a deep sense of discipline, perseverance, and purpose that would guide her throughout her academic career.
At Spelman, Nia-Sarai immersed herself in leadership, scholarship, and service. She served in leadership roles within Phi Alpha Delta Law Fraternity, International, contributed to the Philosophy Club, participated in Mock Trial, and was selected for the Women of Excellence in Leadership (WELS) program, where she strengthened her commitment to servant leadership. She is also a member of Alpha Lambda Delta Honor Society and has dedicated extensive service hours to community engagement through organizations such as The King Center.
Her academic and professional achievements extend beyond campus. Nia-Sarai was selected as a UNCF Walt Disney Corporate Scholar, where she gained valuable professional experience through her internship with The Walt Disney Company. She also participated in Florida State University’s Summer for Undergraduates (SUG) program, an immersive academic experience that further strengthened her interest in law and critical inquiry. Her work and academic journey have drawn recognition beyond the classroom, including interviews with publications such as Historically Black Since News, where she has shared her passion for philosophy, leadership, and academic excellence.
As a Philosophy major, Nia-Sarai discovered a profound love for critical thinking, ethical
reasoning, and intellectual exploration. She credits the Philosophy Department at Spelman
College with sharpening her analytical abilities and preparing her to approach complex problems with clarity, logic, and empathy. These experiences have reinforced her long-term goal of pursuing a career in law.
Following graduation, Nia-Sarai plans to enter the legal field with aspirations of becoming a corporate attorney, using her legal expertise to influence ethical decision-making and organizational leadership. Grounded in faith, resilience, and the unwavering support of her mother, she carries forward the lessons of perseverance into a future defined by purpose, excellence, and service.