Dominica's N'Aaliyah Jno. Baptiste graduates from Edward Waters University in Florida

N'Aaliyah Jno. Baptiste of Dominica has defied all odds and graduated Salutatorian of Edward Waters University, Florida.

Tuesday, 10th May 2022

Born in the United States of America but raised in Dominica, N'Aaliyah Jno. Baptiste, daughter of Dominican parents, has defied all odds and graduated Salutatorian of the Edward Waters University in Florida at their first Commencement Ceremony as a University. Initially referred to as the Edward Waters College, the Edward Waters University (EWU) is Florida's oldest autonomous institution of higher education as well as the state's first institution established for the schooling of African Americans. Edward Waters University started as an institution established by blacks for blacks. After Hurricane Maria devastated the island of Dominica, N'Aaliyah, who was at that time attending the Convent High School, was sent to the US to continue her studies. Upon her return, she was advanced by one year in High School because of her exemplary grades and performance. She made the best of the opportunity that she was granted and performed well. At her high school, she graduated with top honours and had the hard task of choosing a college/ university to attend. She got accepted into many colleges but decided to choose Edward Waters University, where she was afforded a Presidential Scholarship, to study Mathematics. Noteworthy is the fact that she was only 16 and was the youngest person on Campus at that time. N'Aaliyah pressed through the years and gave it her all. She also took some time off to join the United States Army, where she also did exceptionally. This did not derail her plans as she still graduated at the time, which she initially planned to. Some refer to her as a genius, and it is no surprise why. Her credentials have shown that her experience is one of a well-rounded individual. The credentials: * Bachelor's of Science in Mathematics * Salutatorian * THE HIGHEST DISTINCTION: - Summa Cum Laude * GPA: 3.94 * Presidential Scholar * 2x Highest Student Government Association GPA Award * 5x President's List * Provost's List * Dean's List * UNCF Scholarship Recipient Spring 2019 * Orientation Workshop Leader Fall 2019 * Student Government Association Sophomore Class Vice President 2019-2020 * Resident Assistant 2019-2020 * United States Army * TRIO Student Support Services Tutor * Student Government Association Chief of Staff 2020-2021 * Student Government Association Vice President 2020-2021 * Member of the Visionary Omicron Beta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Incorporated Spring 21 * Student Government Association President 2021-2022