17-year-old Onovu Otitigbe-Dangerfield made history in 2021 by being named valedictorian at Albany High School in New York. She became the first Black student to hold Albany High’s top academic rank in the school’s 153-year existence.
A gifted student from a young age, Otitigbe-Dangerfield built an impressive high school resume. She carried a near-perfect GPA while participating in numerous extracurriculars such as robotics, choir, soccer, and student journalism. She also made time to work weekends at a nursing home.
Overcoming Adversity
On her path to valedictorian, Otitigbe-Dangerfield refused to let potential obstacles like lack of diversity in advanced programs deter her ambitions.
After initially feeling uncomfortable joining Albany High’s predominantly white, male robotics club, she pushed past self-doubt to become the team’s president.
Blazing a Trail for Others
As a Nigerian American, Otitigbe-Dangerfield embraces what her achievement symbolizes for minority students.
She strives to demonstrate that young people can accomplish anything they envision through self-belief and hard work. Her academic record and activities aim to inspire peers from diverse backgrounds.
College-Bound Star Student
With acceptance letters from over 20 top universities including Harvard, Yale, Johns Hopkins and Georgia Tech, Otitigbe-Dangerfield plans to study biomedical engineering and neuroscience in college.
She aspires to one day work in pediatric robotic-assisted neurosurgery.
Leaving a Legacy
While proud of her accomplishments, Otitigbe-Dangerfield does not want to be Albany High’s last Black valedictorian. She feels a responsibility to open doors for more representation.
By excelling through her character, work ethic and varied talents, this poised student has etched her name into her school’s history while expanding possibilities for new student leaders in the future.
When Onovu Otitigbe-Dangerfield was named valedictorian at Albany High School, her trailblazing academic record inserted Black excellence into the New York school’s 150-year history.
But the Nigerian American senior aims even higher by hoping her achievement serves to lift other minority students towards realizing their untapped potential.
