Scholars in the News
Katie Washington named University of Notre Dame 2010 valedictorian
2006 Lugar Scholar Katie Washington has been
named the University of Notre Dame's 2010 valedictorian. At the annual
FHE banquet in 2006, Katie was awarded one of the $20,000 scholarships.
Just a quick search of the news for Katie turns up dozens of results. Two of those articles are below.
West Side grad makes history at Notre Dame
April 16, 2010
By Michael Gonzalez
Four point zero. Perfection. History.
Katie Washington, the 2006 West Side High School
valedictorian, has been named the first African-American valedictorian
at the University of Notre Dame in South Bend. A Notre Dame spokesman
said the university does not keep records of the racial backgrounds of
its top students "but we're very confident (Washington) is the first."On
her way to another class on a windswept campus, Washington on Thursday
said she is still learning "just how far-reaching and impactful" her
accomplishment is.
"This just means a lot of things to a lot of
people," she said. "All I did was try to be the best person I can be,
and it's impacted the lives of a lot of people."
Landing a perfect 4.0 grade point average,
majoring in biological sciences -- a particularly rigorous course at
Notre Dame -- was just one step in landing the top spot, Washington
said.Each of the university's five colleges nominated two top grade
earners for the valedictory spot, and each candidate submitted potential
valedictory speeches and letters of recommendations. Extracurricular
activities were added in the mix, and the provost's office made the
decision, Washington explained." It's about more than just grades," she
said. "It's about showing a commitment to everything Notre Dame stands
for."
Washington has also volunteered for community
groups, completed a number of research projects, and sings soprano for
the student-run Voices of Faith Gospel Choir at ND, said Melvin Tardy,
faculty adviser for the group.
"Most definitely, within the African-American
community on campus and among African-American alumni, there's
definitely a buzz about (Washington," Tardy said. "She recognizes the
significance of what she's done, but she doesn't take it for who she
really is." Washington acknowledged her school work, but she also
credited family, friends and countless people "in so many villages" with
her success. Having role models in the family didn't hurt, either, said
Dr. William Washington, Katie's father. Katie's older brother is a
doctor at the University of Tennessee-Knoxville. Her older sister and
mother, Jean Tomlin, are nurses. Katie said her mother was one of the
first African-American students bused to an all-white school after the
landmark Brown v. Board of Education Supreme Court ruling more than 50
years ago. "Ever since she was a little girl, (Katie) wanted to be a
doctor like her father," said the elder Washington. "Usually, everyone
wants their child to excel, we just created an environment where that
little flower could grow and become the flower it would become." The
mention of Washington's accomplishment triggered applause at the Gary
School Board meeting this week.
"We know we are not preparing people who are
just flukes," said board member Nellie Moore. "We're turning out people
who are leaders in this nation."
Washington will deliver the valedictory address
at commencement exercises May 16, and she will study medicine at Johns
Hopkins University in the fall.
Making history meant taking things one step at a
time, she said. "I didn't set out to be valedictorian," Washington
said. "I just wanted to do well on each assignment, each exam. "But, I
believe for younger kids, we need to be sure we're giving them the kind
of love and support I've always had."
Katie Washington named 2010 valedictorian
April 07, 2010
By William G. Gilroy
Katie Washington, a biological sciences major
from Gary, Ind., has been named valedictorian of the 2010 University of
Notre Dame graduating class and will present the valedictory address
during Commencement exercises May 16 (Sunday) in Notre Dame stadium.
Washington, who earned a 4.0 grade point
average, has a minor in Catholic Social Teaching. She has conducted
research on lung cancer at the Cold Spring Harbor labs and performed
genetic studies in the University’s Eck Institute for Global Health on
the mosquito that carries dengue and yellow fever. She is the co-author
of a research paper with David Severson, professor of biological
sciences.
Washington directs the Voices of Faith Gospel
Choir at Notre Dame, is a mentor/tutor for the Sister-to-Sister program
at South Bend’s Washington High School and serves as the student
coordinator of the Center for Social Concerns’ “Lives in the Balance:
Youth Violence and Society Seminar.”
Upon graduation, Washington plans to pursue a joint M.D./Ph.D program at Johns Hopkins University.
