From the moment Brighton High School (BHS) graduate Mariah Niday stepped foot on Yale University’s campus in 2018, she knew this was where she was meant to be.

Walking along the paths of this historic and distinguished college campus, she envisioned herself four years later walking alongside other like-minded, motivated Yalies with big goals for the future, such as the ones she had.

Fast forward to 2022, and Mariah has turned this vision into a reality. She will be attending the third-oldest institution of higher education in the United States with a 4.46% acceptance rate for the class of 2026 this Fall to pursue a degree in biomedical engineering and play collegiate softball. 

Mariah earned her spot at Yale, and it didn’t come easy. She knew that she had to stand out to get accepted into an Ivy League college like Yale.

Standing out is what Mariah did during her four years as a Brighton High bulldog. Mariah’s resume and transcript are lengthy, boasting a 4.67 grade point average, which earned her the well-deserved title of Brighton High School’s valedictorian for the graduating class of 2022. 

It isn’t just Mariah’s academic achievements that stand out. She was also very involved in different programs and extracurricular activities such as the BHS Link Crew, National Honor Society, Prom Committee, Society of Torch and Laurel, the 27J Student Advisory Council (SAC), and softball.

As a representative of SAC for two years and Co-President of the group for one year, Mariah looked to make a more significant impact on her community and 27J Schools. 

“I was excited to work more closely with the board as an advisor and see our district’s inner workings as well as its legislative decisions,” Mariah said. “I wanted to represent my school and make sure our voices were heard, especially during the middle of the COVID-19 pandemic.”

Mariah’s experiences with 27J and its leadership team showed her how passionate 27J Schools staff is about education and student success. 

“It is thanks to 27J I have learned to fight through adversity and find excellence even when the odds are stacked against me,” Mariah said. “Our district doesn’t have much money, and as a result, we are often using resources many years older than other districts, yet we still compete and come out on top in all that we do. I am proud to come from 27J, and if it has taught me anything, it is to never give up and take pride in what I accomplish.” 

Although Mariah is moving on to Yale this fall after four busy years, she has the support of an entire community who is cheering her on. This community watched her grow from the very beginning and believed in her goal of going to Yale.

“I’ve always believed in the quote, ‘It takes a village to raise a child,’” Mariah said. “I am grateful for my village of family, friends, and members of my social circles in the City of Brighton and beyond. I regularly think about the small deeds of individuals who have helped me along the way and how their actions have shaped my life and helped me get where I am today.” 

This village has inspired Mariah to give back to her community, and she cannot wait to do her part and inspire the next generation of students. 

She’s excited to explore Yale and what the world has to offer and, in the process, find what she is genuinely passionate about. Mariah is grateful to 27J for preparing her academically for Yale and teaching her the importance of close relationships with her community. 

“I BELIEVE in 27J because I know that they are in the corner of every student who has ever walked through the doors of one of their schools,” Mariah said. “27J ensures that they hire teachers who care and keep students engaged in their learning while fostering a culture of positivity and opportunity.” 

Mariah Niday’s inspiring journey to reach her goals is one more #ReasontoBelieve. #IBelievein27JSchools