High Achievers: 6 Black Celebrities Who Finished At The Top of Their Class

Michelle Obama

Class of 1981

Where: Whitney Young High School

This shouldn’t come as a surprise to many people, but the first lady definitely doesn’t play second fiddle to her husband. Michelle Obama has excelled as a lawyer, in college (Princeton and Harvard Law) and at Whitney Young High School in Chicago, where she was the cream of the crop.

Alicia Keys

Class of 1997

Where: Professional Performing Arts School

Singer Alicia Keys has always seemed destined to be a star. At the tender age of just 16, Keys rose to the top of her class and was named the 1997 valedictorian at the Professional Performing Arts School in New York City.

John Legend

Class of 1994

Where: North High School

John Legend has always been exceptional. People may think he’s just an entertainer, but the All of Me singer was somewhat of a child prodigy. He enrolled at North High School in Springfield, Ohio, early — at the age of 12. Four years later, not only did he graduate as salutatorian of his class, but he also got accepted to Harvard University and was offered scholarships to Morehouse College and Georgetown University. He ultimately ended up going to an Ivy League school: the University of Pennsylvania.