WASHINGTON (CNS) — When Katie Odette Washington of Gary, Ind., took the stage May 16 as what is believed to be the University of Notre Dame’s first black valedictorian, she told her fellow graduates to step outside of their comfort zone and challenge the conventional to make their imprint on the world.

In an address that focused on future challenges “beyond the applause,” the biological sciences major who earned a 4.0 grade-point average from one of the country’s most identifiable Catholic universities, urged the new graduates to learn from the silences that often follow moments of exaltation.

“While applause is accompanied by feelings of safety and security, this silence can bring vulnerability and uneasiness,” Washington said. “Through my experiences at Notre Dame, I’ve found these silent uneasy moments usually spring up right after I get comfortable with self praise and appreciating my own accomplishments.”

Washington is believed to be the first black Notre Dame graduate to be named valedictorian, but the university chose not to highlight this point because the school hasn’t kept records of the race, ethnicity or gender of previous valedictorians throughout the years, said Dennis Brown, a university spokesman.

Notre Dame’s president, Holy Cross Father John I. Jenkins, called Washington a graduate who should be admired for her determination and accomplishments during her time at the university.

“Katie, you have not only challenged your classmates, but you’ve challenged every one of us in this football stadium as well,” Father Jenkins said after her valedictory address.