VSU names two women students as co-valedictorians
Joy Watson and Blaise Davenport both earn a perfect 4.0 GPA
5/25/2023, 6 p.m.
Joy Watson and Blaise Davenport have been recognized by Virginia State University as Class of 2023 co-valedictorians. The an- nouncement marks the first time in VSU’s history that two women, both STEM majors, have received this academic honor. They were recognized as part of the 2023 Commencement Ceremony on May 13, 2023.
Ms. Watson, who also was Miss VSU 2022-2023 and 2023 Miss National Black College Alumni Hall of Fame, carried a double major in mathematics and mechanical engineering technology while maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA throughout her college career.
She will continue her education in graduate school at VSU.
Ms. Davenport maintained a perfect 4.0 GPA while majoring in computer information systems with a minor in Cybersecurity and Forensics. She studied abroad in England as a visiting student at Oxford University and won numerous cybersecurity awards and honors from the Department of Defense. She will continue her education at Columbia University and Carnegie Mellon University on a full scholarship.
Both young women also are former members of the Trojan Explosion Marching Band.
