Dekaney High School celebrates first African-American female valedictorian and salutatorian

Dekaney High School made history last week after two students become the first Black females to simultaneously receive valedictorian and salutatorian rankings.

Valedictorian Cali Johnson and Salutatorian A’myri Phillips, reflected on their achievements during the Dekaney High School graduation ceremony that was held on Friday, June 2, at Planet Ford Stadium.

“We should take in this moment, this ceremony, this day, and cherish it,” exclaimed Johnson. “Today is a commemoration of all we’ve strived for and the hard work we’ve put in to get here. We’ve yearned for this moment, we’ve earned this moment, and we’ve definitely earned this diploma. Today is our day.”

Phillips shared in Johnson’s sentiments as she reflected on her own journey at Dekaney and becoming the first of her siblings to attend college.

“I stand before you as a proud African-American woman who will be the first out of my siblings to go to college, who has overcome many obstacles to be standing here today,” said Phillips. “I want to acknowledge the struggles many of us have faced as black students. From being underestimated and overlooked, to facing racial discrimination and microaggressions, we have had to navigate a system that was not always designed for our success. But through it all, we have persevered, we have shown up, worked hard, and defied expectations.”

Phillips says she looks to continue her education in the fall at the University of Southern California where she will study to become a psychologist or cognitive behavioral therapist. Johnson will be staying closer to home while she attends the University of Texas to major in nursing.