Achunike Okafor, a Nigerian student, made headlines in Newark, New Jersey, by graduating from Science Park High School with a record-breaking 4.625 grade-point average (GPA). This achievement not only set a new benchmark for the school but also for the entire Newark public school district.
His exceptional academic performance earned him over 40 full scholarship offers from prestigious universities, including Columbia, Cornell, Dartmouth, Duke, Princeton, Penn State, Stanford, the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, the University of Southern California, and Rutgers. Okafor chose to attend Harvard University to pursue a degree in neuroscience.
Beyond academics, Okafor was actively involved in various extracurricular activities. He co-founded the school’s Science Club, served as vice president of the Junior Student Council and the Stand & Deliver Club, presided over the Future Educators Club and the Black Student Union, co-captained the robotics team, and acted as treasurer for the Environmental Club.
His accomplishments have been widely celebrated, with educators and community members praising his humility, drive, and industrious nature. Science Park High School’s principal, Darlene Gearhart, described him as an extraordinary individual who is always eager to learn.
Okafor’s achievements serve as an inspiration, highlighting the impact of dedication and hard work in academic and community settings.
