A Florida mother of seven credited her family and God during her graduation from college as the 2023 class valedictorian with a perfect grade point average.
Last week, Ashley Payne, 35, gave a touching speech during her graduation from Keiser University with a degree in Bachelor of Science in Nursing, according to People.
Firstly, Payne credited her children and her “incredible” husband, Joseph, whom she referred to as her “other half” and her “pillar of stability” in “moments of doubt.”
“Each step has been marked by the support and love of an amazing family who have been my rock and foundation throughout. To my precious children, you are the reason I strive for greatness and I thank you for the motivation and inspiration you provide every day,” she shared.
Furthermore, Payne, who was also the valedictorian at her high school graduation at the Families of Faith Christian Academy, boldly proclaimed her faith in God.
“I stand here today to testify that accepting Jesus Christ into my heart brought inconceivable joy, renewed passion, and a sense of release. By his grace, I’ve been forgiven and through faith, I will remain with him,” she continued.
She added, this faith will “sustain” her “through the challenges of motherhood, the trials of marriage, and it is His love that will keep my head above water during unimaginable storms.”
In a statement to People, Keiser University Chancellor Arthur Keiser, Ph.D., praised Payne for her achievement.
“We are incredibly proud of Ashley for being named valedictorian of her graduating class with a perfect 4.0 GPA,” he said. “Such determination is common among Keiser University graduates.”
Keiser continued, “We live to serve students like Ashley and the many other working parents who are determined to take their next steps toward professional growth. We wish Ashley all the best in the future and encourage her to keep reaching for the stars.”