On the evening of Monday, June 23rd, under the lights of the Hostos Center for the Arts & Culture in the Bronx, Brilla College Prep Middle’s 8th-grade graduation ceremony brought together families, educators, and staff in a joyful and moving celebration of the Class of 2025. Among the proud sea of scholars, one young woman stood before her classmates as this year’s valedictorian: Maliyah Nelson.
Maliyah’s speech—thoughtful, humble, and heartfelt—reflected the spirit of a scholar who has grown into herself over the course of her Brilla journey. From kindergarten to 8th grade, she has quietly and consistently lived out the mission that guides our schools: to grow students in mind, body, and spirit toward lives of excellence and virtue.
We had the pleasure of sitting down with Maliyah and her mother, Jennifer Ellison, just days after graduation. The warmth and pride between them were unmistakable, and their reflections on this milestone offered a window into what Brilla’s work truly means when it takes root and bears fruit.
“Being valedictorian means that everything I’ve done from fifth grade to eighth grade—and even in elementary school—shows how seriously I take my education,” Maliyah shared with a soft but confident smile. “It shows my potential for the future, for college, and for doing something great with my life.”
She spoke with love about her favorite Brilla memories—not tests or awards, but moments of community.
“I always looked forward to things like the Roosting Rallies, the Olympics, and the potlucks we had in elementary school. I liked it when we were all together, not just one grade, but the whole school. It made it feel like a family.”
Maliyah’s story is one of quiet courage. Whether performing live with her orchestra classmates, staying focused in the midst of middle school distractions, or stepping out of her comfort zone to run for Student Council President, she showed up with steady determination and a heart open to growth.
“In orchestra, when we played in front of the school, it definitely took courage. Anything could happen,” she said. “But I did it. I tried my best. And that’s how I’ve always approached school—just trying to do things to a high standard, even when it’s hard.”
She credits her 7th and 8th-grade Humanities teacher, Ms. Boreland, for being someone who saw her potential and encouraged her to take the lead. “She talked to me in the hallway and told me I should run for Council. I wasn’t even thinking about it, but she helped me believe I could do it. She helped me with high school applications, too. She was always there.”Maliyah will attend Trinity School, one of New York City’s most prestigious high schools, located on the Upper West Side. As a member of the orchestra, she has already been invited to perform in Germany next year—an opportunity that reflects both her talent and her willingness to say “yes” to something new.
“I’m looking forward to trying more things in high school,” she said. “I want to be part of a team or a club, to be in a community where we’re working toward something together. I even want to try softball.”
To the rising Brilla 5th graders, Maliyah offers advice rooted in experience: “Middle school can really shape who you are. So take your actions seriously. But also, don’t stress over every little thing. You’re still growing. Enjoy it.”
Her mother, Jennifer, has watched Maliyah grow into a thoughtful and self-motivated young woman.
As a teacher in the DOE, Jennifer knows school communities well. And what she found at Brilla left a lasting impression.
“This is a place where love and logic are real,” she said. “The shine work, the college classroom names—everything is built to grow kids from the inside out. The expectations are high, but they’re grounded in care.”
She paused, then added, “We were blessed. It felt like a private school education, for free. But it only works if families are all in. It’s a partnership. And Brilla shows up for your child if you’re willing to do the same.”
As Maliyah steps into this new chapter at Trinity, heading off to orchestra rehearsals and preparing for a trip across the world, she carries with her the heart of a Brilla scholar: courageous, wise, grounded in virtue, and open to possibility.
Her story is a reminder of what happens when we form students not just academically, but wholly—when we believe in who they are becoming. Maliyah is proof that when a child is nurtured in a community that loves them, challenges them, and walks with their family every step of the way, they rise. She is not only ready for high school—she is ready to lead, to serve, and to shine. And at Brilla, Maliyah Nelson will always be one of ours—a light we proudly send into the world.
Brilla Public Charter Schools 