High School Junior Makes History in STLCC Honors Program

April 02, 2025

Posted by STLCC in Programs and Pathways 

High school junior Nadyah Majeed-Ali finished STLCC Honors Scholar requirements in two semesters.

The honors program transforms high-achieving students into standout scholars through unique academic opportunities. The program pairs students with the college's most innovative faculty members, who design specialized research projects and collaborative learning experiences that go well beyond standard coursework. This distinctive approach has proven invaluable—honors students consistently earn substantial scholarships at transfer institutions, with many receiving full academic rides. Entry requirements reflect the program's rigor: students need either a 3.5 GPA, an ACT score of 26, an SAT verbal score of 540 or equivalent assessment scores.

Typically taking four or more semesters to complete, the honor program's demands didn't deter Majeed-Ali. At just 16 years old, she earned 15 hours of college credits at the honors level, completing sophisticated research projects in chemistry, precalculus algebra, Spanish and sociology—all while maintaining a perfect 4.0 GPA in both her high school and collegiate coursework.

"It's crazy," said Elizabeth Gassel Perkins, EdD, campus president and chief academic officer of St. Louis Community College at Florissant Valley. "Nadyah did the equivalent of four undergraduate research projects, which is super impressive, faster than any other student we know of and while in high school. One of her projects even involved statistics and tracked certain populations in conjunction with Saint Louis University graduate students."

Building Bridges Between High School and College

Through STLCC's dual enrollment program, motivated students like Majeed-Ali can jumpstart their college education while still in high school. The program allows high school students to earn college credits at reduced rates, potentially saving families thousands in future education costs.

The honors program particularly benefits dual enrollment students, offering them advanced academic challenges while they're still in high school. These students gain early exposure to college-level research methodologies. For many, these research opportunities provide first-hand experience in their intended career fields. Students learn to navigate academic databases, develop research proposals and present their findings to faculty committees—skills typically not introduced until junior or senior year at traditional universities. Students work alongside experienced faculty mentors and build impressive academic portfolios before many of their peers even begin their college search.

This early start can dramatically reshape a student's academic trajectory. In Majeed-Ali's case, she'll enter university with both an associate degree and honors program distinction—credentials that typically take college students two to three years to achieve.

Family Support and Future Plans

Behind this remarkable achievement stands a supportive family. Majeed-Ali's mother, Tammy Majeed-Ali, is a former special education teacher. She said her daughter has always liked school.

"When Nadyah was five years old, she asked me, 'Is there such a thing as being a professional student? I want to go to school forever!' I told her school does cost money," she said.

This foundation of support extends to her father, Sarhank Majeed-Ali, a landscaper, and her brother, Yusuf Majeed-Ali, who is also a student.

Together, the family celebrated as Chris Kilbride, EdD, superintendent of the Ritenour School District, placed a golden chord around Nadyah's neck—a symbol of her honors achievement and a preview of her upcoming graduation, where she'll receive both her associate degree and high school diploma.

During the celebration, administrators were already looking toward her next opportunities. Kilbride predicted that someday Majeed-Ali will use the money she saved taking college courses at STLCC toward a doctorate degree.

"By receiving the STLCC Honors Program Scholar designation, it sets a new bar for my success in my future career as an aerospace engineer," said Majeed-Ali. "This honor is only the beginning of many more accomplishments ahead."

Majeed-Ali's success has the potential to earn her more accolades besides the Honors' chord, certificate, medal, donut treats and other gifts she received during the surprise.

"You really should apply to Phi Theta Kappa, which is an international college honorary society for community college students," Perkins said. "Just being recognized as a member will automatically earn you a $1,000 scholarship or more from any university."

Majeed-Ali is waiting to learn if she is accepted into Missouri S&T. Either way, that scholarship money will come in handy this fall. Her remarkable achievement in the honors program has already set her on a path toward future academic success. As she completes her final semester of high school, she continues to demonstrate how STLCC's programs can open doors for motivated students.

Take Your First Step Toward Academic Excellence

Want to gain a competitive edge in your academic and professional career? The STLCC Honors Program gives students an advantage that's recognized by both employers and four-year universities. Through honors-level coursework and research projects, you'll build an impressive academic portfolio while strengthening your transfer applications and scholarship opportunities. Visit stlcc.edu/honors to learn more about joining our community of scholars.

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