Natalia Bryant, the oldest daughter of late NBA icon Kobe Bryant, is heading to her dream school this fall. The 18-year-old will be attending the University of Southern California (USC) located in Los Angeles. It’s one of the world’s leading private research institutions and home to the Trojans athletic teams.
Before the young scholar starts her collegiate career, she’s celebrating another milestone: high school graduation. This Friday, Natalia graduated from Sage Hill High School of Newport Coast, California. An outdoor ceremony was held to celebrate and acknowledge the Class of 2021. Natalia’s mother, Vanessa Bryant, captured video footage and shared pictures on Instagram.
Vanessa wrote, “Congratulations Natalia! We will ALL be with you every step of the way.”
Natalia Bryant Graduates High School
Natalia’s graduation was filled with special moments.
In addition to earning her high school diploma, Natalia was presented with the Sage Hill Compassion Award. Vanessa posted a video of a Sage Hill employee discussing the award and Natalia’s impact.
“No matter what is happening in her own life, she exhibits grace and empathy towards others. As a student ambassador, she has been passionate about sharing the Sage Hill experience with prospective and incoming students. She has worked to lift up other young women as a member of the Girls Empowerment Movement Service Learning group for the last two years,” the Sage Hill employee stated in a video.
Natalia also paid tribute to her father, Kobe Bryant, on her special day. Her USC-themed graduation cap included a quote from the Los Angeles Lakers superstar that read: “Everything negative ― pressures, challenges ― is all an opportunity for me to rise.”
Kobe Bryant died alongside his 13-year-old daughter Gianna and seven others in a helicopter crash last year.
Kobe’s widow, Vanessa Bryant, continues to shower Natalia and her other kids with positive messages to keep them going strong. As Natalia prepares for the next leg of her journey at USC, Vanessa leaves her with these uplifting words.
“Your hard work and dedication was so worth it. You pushed through the most excruciating pain imaginable and you succeeded. I wish Daddy and Gigi were physically here to celebrate but I know they’re here in spirit. We love you so much!”
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