Another Nigerian Student Based in America Gets Accepted into 8 Ivy League Schools

Jude Okonkwo, a senior at Chaminade High School, has been accepted into Brown University, Columbia University, Cornell University, Dartmouth College, Harvard University, The University of Pennsylvania, Princeton University, and Yale University – all of which are top Ivy League schools.

Newsday reports that Jude who comes from a very humble background, is the school’s newspaper president. He plays the piano and clarinet and desires to study medicine.

“It’s a tremendous honor to gain acceptance to all eight Ivy League schools. It’s something I never could have imagined. Tragedies occur in everyday life, and I want to be someone who can help a person and their family heal in their times of need,” he said.

He is motivated to become a doctor, as he experienced the tragic Hurrican Katrina which claimed thousands of lives and devastated the region along the Louisiana coast.

“Hospitals were severely impacted by the storm while so many people needed so much help. It motivated me to serve as a summer lifeguard for the disabled after we moved to New York. My parents enrolled me in swimming lessons after seeing the powerful flood waters Katrina brought ashore, and I realized I could use swimming to help people. My Chaminade experience has offered me opportunities in leadership that were integral in preparation for college and the entry process. Most importantly, the Catholic formation I received here allowed me the chance to grow in to a complete man, and grow closer to God.” He recounted

News sources state that Thomas Cleary, President of Chimanade High School, recognizes Jude as a model student, who does the right thing at the right time and has compassion for his fellow man.