Aylah Birks: Trailblazing Valedictorian Secures $4.5M Scholarship from 113 US Universities
Competing with 34,000 students for the Gates Scholarship, Aylah emerged as one of the 300 winners in the United States. Her academic prowess has been evident from a young age, earning her the title of valedictorian three times - in 1st, 8th, and 12th grades.
Binye-lum 
In a groundbreaking achievement, 18-year-old Aylah Birks from Twiggs County High School in Georgia, United States, has not only emerged as the best graduating student and valedictorian but has also secured an outstanding $4.5 million scholarship from 113 universities across the United States.
Aylah's remarkable journey extends beyond academic excellence. In 2021, she made history as the first-ever female student and the third student overall to win the prestigious Gates Scholarship, a highly competitive award covering the full cost of attending school, including tuition, fees, room, board, books, transportation, and other personal expenses. The scholarship is awarded to exceptional students who rank in the top 10% of their graduating class and actively participate in extracurricular and community service activities.
Competing with 34,000 students for the Gates Scholarship, Aylah emerged as one of the 300 winners in the United States. Her academic prowess has been evident from a young age, earning her the title of valedictorian three times - in 1st, 8th, and 12th grades.
Celebrating her achievements on LinkedIn, Aylah expressed gratitude for her $4.5 million scholarship, making her the first in her family to attend university. She recognized her mother's unwavering support as a driving force behind her success.
"A FIRST GENERATION COLLEGE STUDENT. A RECIPIENT OF OVER 4.5 MILLION IN OFFERS. A 2021 GATES SCHOLAR WITH 113 COLLEGE ACCEPTANCES," she proudly declared.
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Despite facing challenges such as bullying during her high school days, Aylah persevered, emphasizing that being bullied was a reflection of others seeing something in her that they didn't see in themselves.
With acceptance offers from 113 universities, Aylah chose to pursue her dreams at Mercer University in Macon, Georgia, where she plans to major in behavioral neuroscience and legal studies with minors in communications and public health. Set to graduate in 2025, Aylah Birks is determined to continue making her family and herself proud.
