Chika Oriuwa is the only Black medical student at U of T out of a class of 259, and she's graduating as valedictorian.

How's that for some uplifting news right about now? Oriuwa was also an incredibly active part of the Black Student Application Program and Black Medical Student Association during her time at U of T, and her recruitment efforts helped to ensure 14 or 15 Black students will be part of future graduating classes.

Such an incredibly surreal honour. Excited to be named the Valedictorian of the Class of 2020 @uoftmedicine. Endless gratitude to my peers for the opportunity to represent this cohort of brilliant physicians! pic.twitter.com/GoMrJRFXAj

— Chika Stacy Oriuwa (@chikastacypoet) April 19, 2020

"Such an incredibly surreal honour. Excited to be named the Valedictorian of the Class of 2020 @uoftmedicine," Oriuwa tweeted in April. "Endless gratitude to my peers for the opportunity to represent this cohort of brilliant physicians!"

If you haven’t seen my keynote speech @WCHospital for International Women’s Day 2018, and would still like to do so, here’s the link! https://t.co/Z0E7bXh3Il

— Chika Stacy Oriuwa (@chikastacypoet) March 17, 2018

A poet and captivating speaker who gave a memorable keynote speech in 2018 at Women's College Hospital for International Women's Day, Oriuwa developed a deeper passion for public speaking, mentorship, advocacy and psychiatry during her years at the University of Toronto.

Unfortunately Oriuwa will not be able to cross the stage, give her valedictorian's speech to a real audience or attend a planned party with hundreds of guests, but her pre-recorded speech will be delivered virtually on June 2.

For the first time since 2006, am incredibly deserving woman will service as @uoftmedicine ‘s valedictorian. Can’t think of a more deserving #mdtobe @chikastacypoet - congrats girl! #WomenInMedicine

— Sarah Silverberg (@SilverSarah92) April 19, 2020

She's one of the first Black women to be valedictorian at U of T, and the first woman since 2006.

Update: Chika Oriuwa is the second Black female valedictorian in the history of U of T's Faculty of Medicine, following Kristine Whitehead in 1992.