A brilliant young girl named Lela Mosa, from Alabama, has made history as the first African American valedictorian in the 132-year history of Scottsboro High School, United States.
Lela graduated at the top of her class, achieving a historic milestone for the school, which was founded in 1894.
Her achievement has attracted attention across Alabama not only because of the academic history she made, but also because of her outstanding accomplishments in athletics, leadership, and community impact throughout her high school years.
Lela's Story and How She Did It
Lela’s accomplishment carries special historical significance for her family because her uncle, Sam McCamey, was the first Black student to integrate the Scottsboro school system decades earlier.
Now, years later, another member of the same family has again made history within the same school community, this time through academic excellence.
Beyond earning valedictorian honors, Lela distinguished herself in multiple areas during her time at Scottsboro High School.
She received the school’s 2026 Balfour Award, recognized as the highest nonacademic honor presented to a graduating senior.
Her excellence also earned statewide recognition after she was named one of Alabama’s 52 Bryant-Jordan Scholar Athletes, an award celebrating students who excel both academically and athletically.
In addition, Lela received an Auburn Football Letterman Club Scholarship during the organization’s annual banquet in Birmingham.
Outside the classroom, Lela built an impressive athletic career, especially in track and field.
She became a seven-time state champion and played a major role in elevating Scottsboro High School’s relay team to historic success.
During her junior year, Lela and her teammates in the 4×400 relay team broke a 13-year school record.
Rather than stopping there, the relay team continued improving and shattered the same record multiple times again during the current season.
Their remarkable performances eventually led them to set a new state record at the 2026 Alabama High School Athletic Association championships held in Gulf Shores.
Lela’s ability to balance academics, athletics, leadership, and community representation highlights the discipline and consistency behind her success.
Now, her achievements have opened another major opportunity for her future. Lela has secured admission into the prestigious Samuel Ginn College of Engineering at Auburn University, where she has also been named a Ginn Scholar.
As she prepares for the next chapter of her educational journey, Lela Mosa’s story continues to inspire many young students across the United States
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