The smartest students hope to get into one, maybe two, Ivy League schools, but Uwamanzu-Nna of Elmont Memorial High School in New York managed to get into all eight.
“I’ve struggled with numerous classes in the past, but I guess what allowed me to be successful is my persistence and my tenacity, “she said.
Way to go Augusta Uwamanzu-Nna!!
— JT Styl (@JTSTYL) April 6, 2016
The 17-year-old valedictorian from Elmont Memorial High School in Long Island... https://t.co/odrWbfq82C
Uwamanzu credits her school community and her family both here in the US and Nigeria as catalysts for her success.
“I’ve seen that my cousins don’t have the same opportunities that I have. So definitely, whatever I do, I want to make sure that it has an impact on Nigeria.”
Elmont Memorial HS valedictorian accepted to all 8 Ivies: Elmont Memorial High School valedictorian Augusta… https://t.co/flT6ujm57z
— Nassau County News (@nassauctynews) April 4, 2016
The high school where she studied is no stranger to producing phenomenal students.
This year marks the second time, an Elmont student was accepted into all eight Ivy League schools. Last year, it was the class’s salutatorian Harold Ekeh. He chose Yale University. Uwamanzu is this year’s valedictorian.
Elmont Memorial High School senior and Key Club member Harold Ekeh accepted to all 8 Ivy League schools. #keyclubhttp://t.co/UDQFLAqWcD
— Mark O'Loughlin (@MarkPOLoughlin) April 7, 2015
Kevin Dougherty, EMHS’s principal, said that he was humbled and proud of the teachers’ and parents’ commitments and support.
Elmont is unique in comparison to other New York state schools, where around 80 percent of students graduate. Each year, the school boasts a graduation rate in the high 90’s and has a student body that is almost entirely Latino and African American. The real difference is the school mentality and community. It is not enough for students to just graduate from Elmont--they have to be ready to embark on post-secondary work.
Elmont Memorial High School: Class of 2015 http://t.co/lF7VYe5mkdpic.twitter.com/1bZe2fFZjJ
— We Excel Higher (@WeAreElmont) July 11, 2015
In 2011, 44 percent of the graduating class received advanced diplomas that recognized accomplishments in math, science and other subjects.Uwamanzu was a finalist in the 2016 Intel Science Talent search for her research on cement. Her research focused specifically on preventing underwater oil rigs from rupturing. Her work has garnered serious attention--this past Monday she received an invitation to the White House Science Fair.
Uwamanzu was also accepted into four other colleges and universities--that’s 12 schools in all! She’s going to weigh her options based on the school that has the best biochemistry and environmental studies programs.
Wherever she finally decides to go will be lucky to have her.