US diasporan Augusta Uwamanzu-Nna admitted to all eight Ivy League Schools

NIGERIAN teenager Augusta Uwamanzu-Nna has become the second US diasporan in a year to be accepted to all eight Ivy League Schools after achieving outstanding grades in her O'Levels.

 

A pupil of Elmont Memorial High School in New York, Augusta has become the second student from the institution in successive years to achieve the feat. Last year, another Nigerian, the Long Island high school’s salutatorian, Harold Ekeh, chose to attend Yale University after having his pick of all eight Ivy League schools.

 

Kevin Dougherty, Elmont Memorial High School (EMHS) principal, said: “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.”

 

Ms Uwamanzu-Nna was also accepted to the four additional schools to which she applied, adding that the experience has been surreal. Like Mr Ekeh, Ms Uwamanzu-Nna are both Nigerians, with Ekeh born in Nigeria and arriving in the US when he was eight, while Augustus is the daughter of Nigerian immigrants.

 

“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,” Augusta added.

 

She now plans to pursue a science-related major. Augusta was a finalist in the 2016 Intel Science Talent Search for her research on cement that could help prevent underwater oil rigs from rupturing.

 

On Monday, she received an invitation to the White House Science Fair. She is hoping to attend a school where she is able to combine her varied scientific interests, which include biochemistry and environmental studies.