Savannah State University (SSU) has named honor graduate Aaliyah Buckholts the recipient of the President’s Second Mile Award. Buckholts received the honor at SSU’s November commencement ceremony, where she provided the undergraduate students’ reflection speech and was also recognized as one of the top two students with the highest grade point average in her graduating class.

Presented to a deserving student in recognition of stellar and meritorious achievement during each commencement ceremony, the President’s Second Mile Award is the highest honor given to a graduating senior based upon going the extra mile to demonstrate character, values, leadership and service to the University and larger community.

“I am so excited and honored to receive the President’s Second Mile Award,” said Buckholts. “It feels like all of my hard work has paid off.” 

An honor graduate and mathematics major with a concentration in secondary education from Riverdale, Ga., Buckholts graduated with a 3.97 GPA. During her time at SSU, she participated in numerous community service and campus organization efforts and presented research related to her studies. A White House HBCU Competitive Scholar and vice president of SSU’s Chapter of Georgia Association of Educators, Buckholts was elected Miss Savannah State University in 2019 - 2020. 

Buckholts’ future plans include beginning graduate school and starting employment at a high school in January.