As graduation approaches on Saturday, one A&T student will be honored during commencement as the 2009 valedictorian.

Senior mechanical engineering major Jonathan McCoy, from Columbia, MD. is the 2009 valedictorian of the graduating class, with a grade point average of 4.0. While he always thought he had the possibility of being valedictorian when he came to A&T, McCoy did not think his accomplishment was probable. However, because he was valedictorian of his high school’s graduating class of 2005, his track record speaks for itself.

“I just wanted to do the best that I could and learn as much as I could,” said McCoy, who is a 2007 initiate into the Beta Epsilon chapter of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc. “I knew that would reflect in my grades.”

During his four years at A&T, McCoy has joined a Black Greek lettered organization, studied abroad in Ghana, Thailand, Cambodia, England and Venice, honored in Who’s Who among college students, Phi Kappa Phi honor society, Golden Key, Tau Beta Pi engineering society, Pi Tau Sigma engineering society, the honors program and could potentially be named as NAMASKAR engineer of the year.

“I am very, very honored and proud. I think it [valedictorian] is representative of all the work I’ve put in.”

Growing up from a 5’6″, 105 lb. wrestler his freshmen year in high school, McCoy has no regrets in his college career. Unlike some of his fellow graduates, he is not worried about his future and where he will work. He has accepted a job offer with Booz Allen Hamilton Inc. consultant company in McLean, V.A. During the summer he will continue his academic pursuit in a pre-MBA program at Yale University. After he works for a short time, McCoy plans on getting his MBA and JD at an Ivy-League institution.

“Treat every experience as if you are forming a niche in a key, that is going to unlock your door of opportunity,” McCoy said as words of advice to his fellow graduates. “Don’t sweat it if you don’t have your 50 year plan set in stone. Enjoy your experiences.”

Some of McCoy’s most significant memories of his time at A&T include his 2007 probate, homecoming and Aggie Fest step shows, being honored on a channel 2 feature college tour video among others. McCoy is not sure how was he selected to be valedictorian as he thinks two other Aggies also have 4.0 GPAs.

McCoy gives a special thanks to those who have helped him along his college career including his parents, God, Sandrea Williamson, his Scott 6 Room 108 family, everyone in the college of engineering and his Aggie family. Ten years from now, the 2009 A&T valedictorian has no idea where he sees himself.

“I have absolutely no idea and I’m happy about that. Hopefully have completely grad school by that time and on the verge of a major leadership position in the political or business arena.” 

• Jasmine Johnson