Arkansas native named valedictorian at Princeton University

MAUMELLE, Ark. –  A central Arkansas native is graduating at the top of her class from one of the most prestigious universities in the United States.

Genrietta Churbanova’s journey started at Pulaski Academy with just a graduating class of 86 people and now she’s preparing to walk across the stage at Princeton University with the title of valedictorian.

“I definitely spent a lot of time focusing on school,” Churbanova said. “I took it pretty seriously, and I really enjoy what I study so it never really felt like a chore.”

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Luckily, she didn’t allow other people’s fears to stop her from moving forward.

“Regardless of what your dreams are, there’s going to be people who doubt them,” Churbanova said.

Churbanova said she’ll be graduating with a degree in anthropology and said she’s now hoping to inspire people from Maumelle and her high school. Her parents are very proud as well.

“I just want her to do what her passion is and keep following her dreams,” Churbanova’s mother Genoveva Gilbert said.

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Churbanova said she will be heading to China after graduation to further her education.

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