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Mina Kaur named valedictorian of River City Early College Class of 2026
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VICKSBURG, Miss. (VDN) —
Manmeet “Mina” Kaur was named valedictorian of the River City Early College Class of 2026. Kaur walked across the stage Wednesday night, graduating with the highest honors in her class.
“I’m very excited and thankful because it wasn’t expected,” she said.
Kaur graduated with a 5.204 grade point average and stood out academically throughout her time at RCEC. She said she officially learned she was valedictorian during the school’s awards night less than 24 hours before graduation.
“I stayed up until 2 in the morning and I was so confused on what I was going to talk about,” Kaur said.
During her valedictorian speech, Kaur spoke about growing up and preparing for the next chapter in life.
“Don’t think of graduation as an ending because it’s a beginning to a new story,” she said in her speech.
Kaur also expressed gratitude to the teachers and staff members who helped her throughout her journey at RCEC.
“I’m grateful for every single teacher and staff member at RCEC that helped me along the way, including those who are no longer at RCEC, and I am so glad that I chose RCEC and so thankful of all of the opportunities that were offered,” Kaur said.
Kaur said she has always taken academics seriously. She added that throughout her years in school, she only made two B’s and consistently maintained strong grades.
While attending RCEC, Kaur served as Student Council vice president and Phi Theta Kappa president. She also completed more than 500 service hours and was a member of Key Club.
Although graduation was a special moment, Kaur acknowledged that not everyone agreed with the selections for valedictorian and salutatorian.
“People were saying that other students deserved it more than we did and were expecting other students to get it” she said.
Before graduating from high school, Kaur also earned her associate degree from Hinds Community College, making her a college graduate as well.
Kaur plans to attend the University of Alabama at Birmingham, where she will major in biomedical sciences. She hopes to eventually become an emergency room specialist.
Kaur received four scholarships from UAB, giving her a full ride to college.
She is the daughter of Mandy Kaur and Jassy Singh.
