In today's edition of "Rooting For Everybody Black," Onovu Otitigbe-Dangerfield has made history at Albany High School in New York. With a nearly perfect academic record, Otitigbe-Dangerfield has become the school's first Black valedictorian. To put this all in perspective. the school has been open for more than 150 years.
As wild as it sounds, the graduating senior is as well known for endeavors outside of the classroom as she is known for endeavors inside the classroom. Otitigbe-Dangerfield is the president of the school's key club and editor-in-chief of the school's newspaper. Above all else, she has a strong passion for engineering and robotics. Winning her first robotics competition at just three years old, the New York native has had to break down barriers as she ascends in a field dominated by white men. Her persistence and determination earned her the position of president in the school's robotic team.
"It's mostly white men in that club," she told the Times-Union.
"I realized I can't allow other people to dictate my future ... I wanted to go into this field and I had to come to terms with the fact that it's not going to be 100 percent easy as a Black woman."
Adding on to her long list of talents, the future Albany High School graduate plays the piano and violin. She is also a valued member of the school's soccer team.
“Onovu’s charisma, intelligence, and work ethic make me proud to work at Albany High School, and she motivates me to empower other girls just like her,” soccer coach Joshua Binfield said.
“She can and will achieve anything she puts her mind to, just like she has in her time at Albany High, breaking down barriers as a Black female leader.”
Otitigbe-Dangerfield is not stopping at Albany High School. She has offers from Harvard, Cornell, Johns Hopkins and Georgia Tech. National Decision Day is set for May 1.
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