Long Island Teen Celebrates Acceptance To All 8 Ivy League Schools, Second Student From Same School In 2 Years

An Elmont High School student from Long Island, New York, has got some celebrating to do and one monumental decision to make. Augusta Uwamanzu-Nna was accepted to all eight Ivy League schools in the United States.

The eight schools that are considered a part of the Ivy League grouping include Brown University, Columbus University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, Princeton University, the University of Pennsylvania, and Yale University.

#TNN :: Elmont Memorial HS valedictorian accepted to all 8 Ivies https://t.co/3FBD6LlREW

— The News Network (@TheNews_Network) April 4, 2016

In addition to being accepted to these prestigious schools, the teen also gained admission to Johns Hopkins University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, New York University, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

The impressive and clearly intelligent teen shares that her drive and determination is her parents’ doing, seeing as the Nigerian immigrants have always “instilled in her the value of education,” as The Root relays.

“I think the main thing that has shaped me into the individual I am now is just tenacity and persistence.”

Although Augusta has received top marks that have gained her an acceptance from all schools mentioned, she shares that she has struggled in the past and has faced many challenges on her way to this incredibly successful time in her young life. The valedictorian also notes how fortunate she feels to have such a wonderful opportunity in the United States, in comparison to the way of life in Nigeria where her cousins and many family members still live.

“Though I was born here in America, I visited Nigeria many times,. 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. I’ve struggled with numerous classes in the past. But I guess what allowed me to be successful, ultimately, in those classes, at the end, is my persistence and my tenacity.”

Uwamanzu-Nna has not yet decided as to which school she will attend in the near future, but has been recognized for her success by accepting an invitation to visit the White House Science Fair. As the teen heads to her post-secondary studies, she is likely to continue in her success, regardless of which educational facility she selects to attend.

Augusta has a love for science and was a finalist with Intel for research conducted on cement that would possibly help prevent oil rigs from rupturing. The teen’s research adviser, Michelle Flannory, spoke about Augusta and noted that although the girl is naturally talented, she works hard all the same.

“She knows that you have to work. Is she naturally talented? Yes, but she definitely pursues excellence.”

Augusta’s talent and drive is evidenced by her impressive GPA score of 101.6 which she is rightly proud of, as ABC News shares.

Augusta Uwamanzu-Nna gets into all 8 Ivies, the 2nd Nigerian-American from her high school to do so in last 2 years https://t.co/2mr5vT4ZWD

— Andrew LaVallee (@andrewlavallee) April 5, 2016

Interestingly enough, this is the second student in two years who has been accepted to eight Ivy League schools from the same high school. Last year, the same high school in Long Island saw Harold Ekeh, the school’s salutatorian, choose to attend Yale University after being accepted by eight Ivy League schools.

The principal of Elmont High School, Kevin Dougherty, spoke of the pride that goes along with the phenomenon involving two of his students gaining acceptance to the top facilities for post-secondary education in the nation.

“Having two students get accepted into all eight Ivy League institutions in back-to-back years is humbling but also speaks to the incredible commitment to children by the families and staff within the EMHS Community.”

Augusta was sure to thank those who helped her along her way to achieve such remarkable success, as CNN shares.

“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.”

It’s likely that Uwamanzu-Nna will go on to do remarkable things in whatever she chooses.

[Photo by Dan Kitwood/Getty Images]