Achunike Okafor, a Nigerian boy, has achieved an extraordinary accomplishment by receiving an International Baccalaureate diploma with a remarkable grade-point average of 4.625. This outstanding GPA not only stands as the highest among the 2,649 graduates in the Class of 2023 in Newark but also marks the highest ever recorded in the city's public school district.
Due to his exceptional academic performance, Okafor has garnered over 40 scholarship offers from prestigious universities. These include renowned institutions such as Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Duke, Princeton, Penn State, Stanford, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Southern California, and Rutgers.
Expressing his gratitude and sense of responsibility, Okafor stated, "I am grateful for the opportunities to attend such esteemed universities and to represent my family and community. I do not take lightly the privilege and responsibility to be among the few individuals selected for such honors." With aspirations to pursue a neuroscience degree, the 18-year-old dreams of attending Harvard University.
Recognizing Okafor's exceptional qualities, Science Park principal Darlene Gearhart described him as an extraordinary individual, highlighting his humility, drive, and industriousness. She further emphasized, "There's absolutely nothing average about him. He's humble, driven, and industrious. He has always been a great kid. He is always eager to learn."
Acknowledging Achunike's exceptional performance, Superintendent of Schools Roger León expressed his pride, stating that Okafor's accomplishments serve as a source of pride for Science Park High, the entire school district, and the Newark community.
