Eight Science Park High School Students Accepted to Ivy League Universities
Some students also accepted to elite universities including Stanford and M.I.T.
NEWARK, N.J. – Science Park High School continues to set the bar high for academic achievement in Newark as eight students from the Class of 2025 have been accepted to Ivy League and other top-tier colleges and universities. From first-generation scholars to aspiring engineers and policymakers, these remarkable students represent the diversity, resilience, and excellence of Newark Public Schools.
Iyiola Ajanaku will attend Brown University. A daughter of Nigerian immigrants, Iyiola is a swimmer, co-founder of the school’s Culture Club, and passionate about data science and healthcare. She plans to study computational biology to address health inequities through data modeling.
Victor Alegunlade was accepted to Cornell University. Born in Ibadan, Nigeria, and raised in Newark’s South Ward, Victor has been involved in marching band, jazz band, and multiple honor societies. He plans to major in mechanical engineering, a passion he’s had since building his first cardboard robot at age nine.
Beau Ambroise was accepted to Cornell and the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. A resident of Newark’s Forest Hill neighborhood, Beau plans to study electrical engineering. He is the president of the Math Club and National Honor Society and tutors math to students across grade levels.
Nathaniel Esubonteng was accepted to Cornell, Columbia, and Stanford. Born in Accra, Ghana, and raised in Newark’s West Ward, Nathaniel hopes to combine computer science and finance to solve global problems. He interned at Audible, co-led a youth voting campaign, and is Vice President of the Future Teachers Club.
Katherine Hildalgo was accepted to Cornell University. A robotics team member and mechanical engineering hopeful, Katherine grew up in Newark’s Ironbound neighborhood and found community through hands-on learning in Science Park’s Tech Titans Club and National Honor Society.
Karen Otavalo was accepted to Harvard, Princeton, and Columbia. Born in Ibarra, Ecuador, and raised in Newark’s Ironbound section, Karen came to the U.S. at age 11. She credits her success to her teachers and her experience in the International Baccalaureate program. She plans to major in Sociology and Government with the goal of addressing organized crime and youth violence in Latin America.
Liz Hernandez-Pujos was accepted to Cornell University. A North Newark resident and aspiring dermatologist or pediatrician, Liz is president of the Youth Enjoy Science club and has been active in food security efforts through the Students Change Hunger Club.
Monica Quezada was accepted to Cornell University through early decision. A proud North Newark native, Monica plans to study biomedical engineering with minors in computer science and applied mathematics. She developed an AI-based app in partnership with Microsoft and volunteers through food drives and tutoring.
“We are incredibly proud of these exceptional young minds,” said Superintendent León. “They exemplify what is possible when passion meets progress. They embody what happens when hard work and a world-class education come together. They are the future leaders, innovators, and changemakers our world needs.”
“These students reflect the best of Newark,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “They’ve earned their seats at some of the world’s most prestigious institutions, and we know they will continue to shine as they represent our city on a global stage.”
Science Park High School Principal Darleen Gearhart praised the students for their persistence and purpose. “Each of these students has a story of resilience, leadership, and academic excellence. We celebrate them not only for where they are going, but for the determination and vision that got them there.”