Technology High School Senior Accepted to Princeton and UPenn
Precious Okwueze, a Newark Student and Nigerian Immigrant, Celebrates Ivy League Success
NEWARK, N.J. – Precious Okwueze, a senior at Technology High School, has achieved an extraordinary academic milestone: acceptance into both Princeton University and the University of Pennsylvania, two of the nation’s most prestigious Ivy League institutions.
“I feel incredibly grateful and honestly, still a little shocked,” Precious said. “I applied to both Princeton and UPenn with faith and optimism, but I never imagined I’d be accepted to both. It’s exciting, surreal, and a reminder that all the long nights and hard work truly paid off.”
Although she has yet to make her final college decision, one thing is clear: an Ivy League future awaits her.
The opportunity holds deep meaning for Precious. “As an immigrant, the idea of attending an Ivy League university once felt so far out of reach – it wasn’t something I even thought could be possible,” she said. “So, to now be in this position is not only a privilege, but a reminder of how far I’ve come.”
“Precious Okwueze has accomplished something truly extraordinary by earning acceptance into both Princeton and UPenn,” said Superintendent León. “Precious represents the very best of Newark Public Schools, and we cannot wait to see the extraordinary impact she will make on the world. I congratulate Precious and her family on this incredible honor, and we will be cheering her on every step of the way.”
“Precious Okwueze’s story is one of perseverance, brilliance, and hope,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “She embodies the promise of our city and the power of public education. Her achievements inspire all of us, especially our students, to dream big and pursue excellence.”
“From the moment Precious Okwueze arrived at Technology High School, she has stood out for her academic excellence, integrity, and passion for helping others,” said Principal Edwin Reyes. “Her acceptance to both Princeton and UPenn is well-deserved, and it reflects the limitless potential we see in her every day. We are honored to have been part of her journey and excited to see her continue to rise.”
Born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria, Precious moved to Newark in 2019 at the age of 11. Since then, she has excelled both in and out of the classroom. She plans to major in International Affairs on a pre-law track, with aspirations of becoming an international lawyer focused on public policy and diplomacy.
“My passion lies in creating meaningful change in international spaces,” she said. “I hope to grow as a servant leader and make a positive impact in the world.”
At Technology High School, Precious is involved in a wide range of extracurricular activities. She is the president of both the National Honor Society and the Afro-Caribbean Club, the co-founder of the Eco-Action Club, and the founder and president of the Senior College Advisors Club, which supports underclassmen through the college application process. She also serves as an associate writer for the journalism club and participates in NJ LEEP and Matriculate, two college-access programs.
In her free time, she enjoys reading, writing, listening to music, watching movies, trying new hobbies, and volunteering. “Volunteering has always been a way for me to stay connected to my community and pay it forward,” she said.
Precious lives in Newark with her parents and five siblings, including a younger sister who currently attends Arts High School.
When asked if she had any advice for younger students, Precious offered:
“Believe in yourself and never give up, even when your dreams feel out of reach. Keep pushing forward, because with hard work, dedication, and resilience, you can achieve things you once thought impossible. The journey may be challenging, but the rewards are worth it. Stay focused, trust the process, and remember that your potential is limitless.”