One Long Island teen has some big decisions to make for the fall, but we’re sure she’s not complaining! Augusta Uwamanzu-Nna, the valedictorian from Long Island’s Elmont Memorial High School, has been accepted to all eight Ivy League colleges, according to People.com.
With a 101.6 GPA, Uwamanzu-Nna has also been accepted to Johns Hopkins, NYU, MIT and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. “My recent accomplishments reflect the hardworking ideals of the town of Elmont, my supportive parents and my dedicated teachers. I am elated but most importantly I am thankful,” said the 17-year-old told Newsday.
In January, she became the first in her school’s history to be a national finalist in the Intel Science Talent Search for her research on cement that could keep underwater oil rigs from breaking apart, This week, she also received an invite to the White House Science Fair. Uwamanzu-Nna is the second Elmont student in two years to be accepted to all eight Ivy League schools.
“We have been flying under the radar for years but there are some really great things happening here,” said Caron Cox, chairwoman of pupil personnel services at Elmont Memorial High School.
The daughter of Nigerian immigrants, she credits her parents for teaching her the value of self-confidence, humility and a respect for education. “Though I was born here in America, I visited Nigeria many times,” she told Long Island ABC affiliate WABC7. “And 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.”
Believe it or not, she admits to have struggled in numerous classes through the years, but has never given up. “I guess what allowed me to be successful, ultimately, in those classes, at the end, is my persistence and my tenacity,” she said.
Uwamanzu-Nna has until May 1st to decide which college she will attend.
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Main image: Screenshot of ABC7NY
