When we look at our parents or relatives, you may hear people say, “Oh, I see where you get your looks from” or “I got it honest from my family.” That’s pretty much true when it comes to looks, but what about smarts? Is intelligence passed down from generation to generation? Apparently, it is when it comes to “Human Computer” Katherine Johnson. If you remember Johson was one of the women that the award-winning blockbuster film, Hidden Figures, was about starring Taraji P. Henson.
Well, it seems as though Johnson’s great-granddaughter has gotten bit by the genius bug too.
Virginia third grader Na Kia Boykin scored a perfect score of 600 on her mathematics Standards of Learning (SOL) test. So it seems that she is indeed following in the footsteps of her great-grandmother, NASA’s “human computer” Katherine Johnson.
“I like math because I can look at a problem and figure it out,” Na Kia explained after being honored at a school assembly, according to the Daily Press. “You can just look at the problem and do it. You use the numbers, and you use your brain. It’s a good challenge.”
Johnson, who will turn 100 years old in August, has become a shining example of what women can do in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). Now, her great-granddaughter is taking pride in keeping her legacy going.
“Na Kia definitely looks up to her,” Na Kia’s father, Douglas Boykin, the son of Katherine Johnson’s middle daughter, said. “My grandmother is getting up there, and they’re not the same conversations that I had with her growing up, but it means a lot to Na Kia. My grandmother always says that learning is a lifetime, and Na Kia knows this is just the beginning.”
He further explained Na Kia specifically said she wanted to aim for a perfect 600 on the math SOL test.
“I told her she would get a 500 at least, but I said, ‘Don’t be disappointed if you get a 585 or something. She came in the door the next day and said, ‘What do you think I got?’ I said, ‘585.’ She said, ‘Higher than that,” he said. “Finally she said, ‘I got all of ‘em! I got a perfect 600!’ And I started screaming like it was the Super Bowl.”
It just makes sense that Na Kia was inspired by Johnson. The mega toymaker Mattel, was also inspired by the mathematics legend and even created a “Barbie” doll in her honor. The toy has been flying off the shelves since last year.
According to Michelle Price, spokeswoman for Newport News Public Schools, Na Kia was…
… one of 59 Newport News elementary school students to score a 600 on this year’s math SOLs.
Katherine Johnson was not able to attend the awards ceremony. However, she continues to play a very active role in Na Kia’s extended family and is still inspiring the next generation. Next up for Na Kia is a science camp this summer the future educator is looking forward to attending.
“I always want to be helping other people learn,” she said. “And I want everyone to know me when they see me. I want people to say, ‘Oh my gosh, that’s Na Kia Boykin!’”
Keep in mind, this isn’t the last you’ve heard of Na Kia. For some reason, I think you’ll hear a lot more of her in the future. You go girl!
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