News
Vicksburg High 2023 valedictorian Sha’Kyria Allen earns biology degree from Southern University
VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) — Former Vicksburg High School valedictorian Sha’Kyria Allen has officially added another major accomplishment to her resume after graduating from Southern University with a bachelor’s degree in biology.
Allen walked across the stage Friday after completing her degree in just three years. During her time at Southern University, she earned Dean’s List honors in all six semesters and graduated cum laude.
Allen, who served as Vicksburg High School’s 2023 valedictorian, originally shared her dream of becoming an OB-GYN during her graduation speech three years ago. Today, that goal remains the same as she now prepares for the next chapter of her academic journey.
Following graduation, Allen may take a gap year before attending either the University of Mississippi Medical Center School of Medicine or William Carey University College of Osteopathic Medicine.
While at Southern University, Allen stayed heavily involved on campus. She served as president of the Minority Association for Pre-Medical Students and was also active in the Jaguar Success Academy, Delores Richard Spikes Honors College, Honors Student Association, NAACP, Omega Tau Pi Sorority Incorporated, My Sister’s Keeper, The Society of Virtuous Women and the National Marrow Donor Program, where she volunteered for three years.
Allen also earned numerous academic honors, including recognition through Alpha Lambda Delta, the National Institute of Science, Beta Kappa Chi Honor Society, the National Society of Leadership & Success and the Tri Beta Biological Honor Society.
Her academic work also led to multiple research and travel opportunities. Allen was an LS-LAMP research mentee, an American Heart Association HBCU Scholar and presented research at ABRCMS in San Antonio, Texas, and the Society of Toxicology in San Diego, California. She also attended the Annual Medical Education Conference in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, and participated in the Summer Health Professionals Education Program at Howard University.
Additional accomplishments include:
- HBCU Passages International Trip to Israel
- Mississippi Rural Physician Scholarship two-year program
- Thurgood Marshall Scholarship Program (three years)
