Hard work and dedication have a name, and it’s Harold Ekeh, who won acceptance to every college he applied to, including all eight Ivies.
The Nigeria-born Long Island high-school senior pulled that off with a 100.5 percent grade-point average, an SAT score of 2270 out of 2400 and as a semifinalist for the national Intel Science Talent Search.
Or, as he likes to say: “My parents’ hard work and my hard work finally paid off.”
To that delightful understatement, let’s add that it’s inspiring to see someone so young managing to be so focused.
It also helps to have strong support, which Ekeh has in abundance. His parents came here when Harold was 8, so that something like this could happen for their children.
“My parents left comfortable lives in Nigeria for their kids to have opportunities, so I take advantage of every opportunity that has been afforded me,” said Ekeh, who told CNN that he’s leaning toward Yale University.
If he does, he’ll follow in the shoes of fellow Long Islander Kawsi Enin, who last year also was accepted by all of the Ivies, and who chose Yale.
Enin also moved here as a child, from Ghana. These two young men are testament to how immigration fulfills the American dream and strengthens the nation.
We echo our previous sentiments on Enin: It’s nice to see a hardworking young man make headlines for his achievements in the classroom. And to quite deservedly be celebrated for them.