She's Notre Dame's first black valedictorian

(WBBM) -- History is being made at the University of Notre Dame this
spring

In the 161 years the University of Notre Dame has been awarding degrees, never had there been an African-American as valedictorian. Until this year.



She's Katie Washington of Gary , Indiana . She carries a 4.0 GPA majoring in biology and minoring in Catholic social teaching.

According to the Northwest Indiana Times, Washington plans to continue her studies at Johns Hopkins University and follow in her father's footsteps into medicine.

Washington says she's humbled by the honor of being named valedictorian.


More information from Notre Dame University:

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.

Rogers and Drain

Mr. and Mrs. Stanley Rogers of Gate City, Va., joyfully announce the engagement of their daughter, Jasmine Stanetta Rogers to Harold Marcus Drain, son of Mr. and Mrs. Harold Drain of Midland, Ga.



The bride-elect is the granddaughter of Julia B. Wolfe of Gate City, the late Rufus Wolfe Jr., Ola B. Rogers of Gate City, and the late George “Dottie” Rogers. Jasmine, a graduate of the University of Virginia and the University of Tennessee College of Law, is employed as an attorney with the law firm of Childs & Halligan, P.A., Columbia, S.C.
The bridegroom-to-be is the grandson of the late Comer and Iona Drain, and the late James and Willie Pearl Schley. Marcus is a graduate of Auburn University and the Kennesaw State University Coles College of Business. He is employed as a staff engineer with Shaw Industries Inc., Dalton, Ga.
The couple will unite in holy matrimony in an open-church ceremony Aug. 7, 2010, at First Baptist Church, Kingsport.

Message from the NAACP President

Dear Calvin,

Yesterday, America lost a hero.

Dr. Benjamin L. Hooks was among the greatest Americans of the 20th century. A crusading lawyer who fought against oppression and a courageous, committed organizer who used communication to move mountains -- Dr. Hooks lifted the Civil Rights movement, breaking down racial barriers.

But above all else, he was a believer -- a believer in righteousness, justice and truth.

I'll never forget being a young organizer, watching Dr. Hooks address the '93 March on Washington. He stood there in front of the Washington Monument in his blue blazer and starched white shirt. In my eyes, Dr. Hooks was Superman. For those of us who came of age in the '70s and '80s, he was the most visible advocate for civil and human rights, the man who dared to push corporate America to opens doors to people who looked like us.

My thoughts and prayers are with the Hooks family in this tragic time. Will you take a moment to share your stories or sympathies with them?

Click here to visit the NAACP website and share your stories or sympathies with the Hooks family.

As we grieve over the loss of this incredible individual, we must remember to be thankful for the legacy he leaves behind and continue to honor Dr. Hooks by fighting with 'truth, justice and righteousness on our side.'

Yesterday, we lost a hero, a patriot and above all a friend. But in Dr. Hooks' passing his legacy remains -- a legacy that will improve the lives of generations to come.


Sincerely,

Benjamin Todd Jealous
President and CEO
NAACP