Chaminade H.S. student accepted to all 8 Ivy League schools

A Chaminade High School student was accepted to all eight Ivy League schools – a feat his friends and teachers are not surprised by. Jude Okonkwo, a senior with a 98.9 grade point average, says it's still sinking in. "It's emotional. I really don't know what to think. I didn't process it yet. But I mean I have initial feelings of gratitude for having these opportunities," he tells News 12 Long Island. Okonkwo is known for his writing skills as the editor of the...

News 12 Staff

Apr 21, 2017, 6:59 PM

Updated 2,555 days ago

Share:

Chaminade H.S. student accepted to all 8 Ivy League schools
A Chaminade High School student was accepted to all eight Ivy League schools – a feat his friends and teachers are not surprised by.
Jude Okonkwo, a senior with a 98.9 grade point average, says it's still sinking in.
"It's emotional. I really don't know what to think. I didn't process it yet. But I mean I have initial feelings of gratitude for having these opportunities," he tells News 12 Long Island.
Okonkwo is known for his writing skills as the editor of the school newspaper, as well as his musical abilities on the piano and clarinet.
Father Thomas Cleary calls his accomplishment "phenomenal."
"He has stepped up to the plate in all areas and hit it out of the park," says Cleary.
Okonkwo hasn't decided which college he will attend, but he knows he wants to be a doctor. He says he chose the medical field after witnessing the devastation of Hurricane Katrina when he was 7 years old.
"I think the route that I'm going down, I'll be able to help in those situations," says Okonkwo.
He says he owes his success to the lessons of hard work and faith instilled in him by his parents and grandmother.


More from News 12
0:28
Man who set himself on fire outside Trump trial dies of injuries, police say

Man who set himself on fire outside Trump trial dies of injuries, police say

2:36
Rain and cloudy skies followed by some sunshine on Long Island

Rain and cloudy skies followed by some sunshine on Long Island

0:28
Police: Levittown woman arrested for driving drunk with 2 children in vehicle

Police: Levittown woman arrested for driving drunk with 2 children in vehicle

2:05
Long Island native ID’d as person who set himself on fire outside Trump trial in Manhattan

Long Island native ID’d as person who set himself on fire outside Trump trial in Manhattan

0:37
Officials: Wildlife rehabilitator took raccoons into her Merrick home without required rabies license

Officials: Wildlife rehabilitator took raccoons into her Merrick home without required rabies license

1:42
FBI on alert as Jewish Long Islanders prepare to celebrate Passover

FBI on alert as Jewish Long Islanders prepare to celebrate Passover

0:22
East Northport man sentenced to 23 years in prison for sexually abusing great niece

East Northport man sentenced to 23 years in prison for sexually abusing great niece

1:44
Islandia woman turns 106, offers secret to long life

Islandia woman turns 106, offers secret to long life

2:28
Islanders owner surprises fans with free playoff tickets

Islanders owner surprises fans with free playoff tickets

0:35
Calverton man pleads guilty to attempted murder charges related to opening fire at Bellport vigil

Calverton man pleads guilty to attempted murder charges related to opening fire at Bellport vigil

1:46
Alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer’s defense attorney demands information on other ‘top suspect’

Alleged Gilgo Beach serial killer’s defense attorney demands information on other ‘top suspect’

0:51
Baldwin students learn business skills with 'Little Lenox Bakery'

Baldwin students learn business skills with 'Little Lenox Bakery'

0:35
Tesla recalling nearly 4,000 Cybertrucks because accelerator pedal can get stuck

Tesla recalling nearly 4,000 Cybertrucks because accelerator pedal can get stuck

1:46
Gov. Hochul announces harsher penalties for illegal smoke shops

Gov. Hochul announces harsher penalties for illegal smoke shops

2:10
News 12 provides tips on the do's and don'ts of recycling

News 12 provides tips on the do's and don'ts of recycling

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Is your mom awesome? Long Island tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Show off your team spirit! Share your photos with News 12

Show off your team spirit! Share your photos with News 12

1:55
The Real Deal: How tipping trends have changed in the tri-state area

The Real Deal: How tipping trends have changed in the tri-state area

0:13
Officials: West Babylon home destroyed by fire

Officials: West Babylon home destroyed by fire

0:47
Cafe 217 provides students with autism chance for work experience at East Rockaway HS

Cafe 217 provides students with autism chance for work experience at East Rockaway HS