St. Ursula Academy announces its first African American valedictorian in its 96-year history

 Cincinnati, Ohio, May 2, 2007:  St. Ursula Academy senior Simone Waller has been named the class valedictorian, making her the first African American student to receive this distinction in the Academy’s 96-year history.  Simone, daughter of Drs. Paul and Yelandra Waller of Blue Ash, is a national merit finalist and national achievement scholar finalist. She belongs to the National Honor Society, she is editor of the yearbook and is on the academic team. Her cumulative GPA is 4.429. Simone was recently inducted into the National Society of High School Students, and she also was among 44 seniors from Greater Cincinnati high schools who recently received outstanding scholastic achievement awards from Kiwanis Clubs of the Ohio Sixth Division. She will attend Miami University in Oxford next year.

Says St. Ursula Academy Principal Frances Romweber, "Simone Waller is not only an excellent student but has impressed both her teachers and her peers with her graciousness and her kindness. Such characteristics have served her and others well in her extra-curricular and community service endeavors. All have benefited by her presence and wisdom. Simone traveled a great distance to seek the diverse education that St. Ursula Academy affords. She understands full well that being prepared for a changing world is analogous to understanding, socializing with and enjoying people from a variety of backgrounds and cultures. Her engaging personality has greatly facilitated her ability to do so. Simone's favorite quote is 'Search for Paradise' and in coming to St. Ursula Academy and being distinguished as a National Merit Finalist and valedictorian of her class of 161 students, Simone has exemplified that her search has and will continue to be a rewarding one. I am privileged to have been Simone's principal and friend during her high school journey. Her ‘Search for Paradise’ along the way has enriched me and the St. Ursula Academy Community, and we are grateful to have shared in this pursuit."        

St. Ursula Academy is a Catholic, college-preparatory, secondary school for young women.  In 2002 the academy was recognized by the U.S. Department of Education as a Blue Ribbon School. The campus, located at 1339 E. McMillan Street in East Walnut Hills has been the home of St. Ursula Academy and Convent since 1910.