SZA has plenty of accolades in her budding career, but her recent award holds a sentimental value as it was from her former high school.
On Monday (June 5), the singer, born Solana Imani Rowe, was inducted into Columbia High School’s Hall of Fame. The honor has gone to other famous alum from New Jersey high school like Ms. Lauryn Hill, director Paul Auster and actor Zach Braff. According to Tap Into Soma, the singer-songwriter hailed from the class of 2008. During her high school career, SZA was apart of The Special Dance Company, the gymnastics team, and a varsity cheerleader, hence her big leaps at her live shows.
After a roar of applause, SZA took the auditorium stage to reminisce about her days roaming the high school hallways. She also took the time to remind students that she wasn’t the school’s “it” girl despite her extracurricular activities.
“I was incredibly unpopular here, I was bullied, I was jumped, definitely had a wack experience,” SZA said. “I didn’t go to prom because I didn’t have any friends to go with.”
Despite her woes, she assured she was “walking around these same hallways figuring it out just like you” and encouraged the youngsters to “design your own world right now.”
The songstress’ vocal chords seemed to be doing better as she performed “The Weekend” after her speech. She also took a few pics with fans and family with her inscribed plaque.
Check out a portion of her speech up top.
https://www.instagram.com/p/BjoDvxQAjDa/