This September, an average fifteen hundred students will begin their first year as Princeton University undergraduates, class of 2027. Tuxedo’s own Chima Oparaji will be one of them. The George F. Baker High School Senior received his acceptance letter in December following an early action decision. The Ivy League school is one of the hardest in the nation to get into, only accepting an average 4% of applicants.
“I was originally going to apply to several different schools because I was unconfident that I would get in. But when I did, that was really the only school I applied to.”
Oparaji says he “immediately” fell in love with the prestigious university during his first visit to the New Jersey campus, which he describes as “beautiful.” It is the school’s approach to undergraduates that sealed the deal. “Because they're primarily focused on that undergraduate education, that is one of the major things that drew me in.”
Enrolling into Princeton is just one of Oparaji’s several achievements this academic year. In addition to being elected a co-President of the Student Council, he was honored by the College Board in the fall with the National Rural and Small-Town Award and the National African American Recognition Award. Oparaji is also a successful Cross-Country runner, National Honor Society member, Ethics Club member and President of the Environmental Club. Next month, he will lead an effort to make TUFSD greener through Orange County’s 'Green Schools Recognition Program.' The county wide initiative honors and rewards schools for their sustainability efforts to conserve energy and water, reduce waste and improve health and well-being on campus.
“Reducing waste is very important because it becomes a toxin and disproportionately affects the community,” says Oparaji. “If I can make a small influence in my school, then I want to at least do my part.”
A first generation American, Oparaji attributes his success to the academic discipline instilled into him by his parents, immigrants from West Africa. “They valued education because that is what helped them become successful in this country. They have been very supportive and nurturing.” Oparaji, the youngest of three children, also views his older sisters as role models. “They both did very well in school and are also very successful. They led by example.”
When discussing his academic accomplishments, Oparaji is quick to credit the education he has received at Tuxedo Union Free School District, notably the teacher to student ratio. “You are given more attention and aid. (The teachers) can adjust to how you learn and take more of your input.”
With fewer students in the classroom, Oparaji feels his approach to learning is rewarded. “I not only memorize what I am learning, but I can understand what I'm learning, especially in Math. For example, we aren't just talking about, oh, we use this formula or that formula. Ms. Sobel teaches us to understand completely the math we are learning. And if we don’t, she will continue to help you. The same goes with social studies and Ms. Jones. They can take the time because they don’t have as many kids in there.”
From her view at the front of the classroom, Jones has noticed Oparjai’s determination to absorb what is being taught, remarking he has a true “love of learning.” “He learns and studies, not for simple recall, but for deep understanding. He makes connections between many disciplines and is always willing to teach others.”
As for his character? Jones says Chima is “kind, compassionate, and tolerant. He is a natural leader that works hard and leads by example.”
Oparaji hesitates to call himself a leader, but says he knows that he is not a follower. "Independent" is the word he uses when describing himself. An identity born from the miles "lost with himself” during cross country runs.
“It's helped me in the terms of how I think. You need to set your own pace, unlike a team sport where you rely on your other teammates. I think that transferred into other aspects of my life.”
When he begins his life at Princeton, Oparaji will study computer science. He is specifically interested in coding and artificial Intelligence and hopes to make an "impact" on the tech industry.
He has undoubtedly already made an impact on the Tuxedo Community. “Chima has an energy that is contagious,” says Spanish teacher and Student Council adviser Ms. Castellanos who has known Chima since he was in the seventh grade. "When I first met Chima, I knew that he was a young man who consistently sets high personal standards and aims for them repeatedly. He is also always willing to take risks and try something new.”
Castellanos was also quick to call Oparaji a leader but noted he is “just as comfortable as a collaborative partner” in and out of the classroom. “Chima is a pleasure to have in the school community and I will miss him when he graduates."
Lucky for her and the rest of the GFB Faculty, that is still four and a half months away - plenty of time for Opraji to continue making that impact on the district. Stay tuned for more on the Environmental Club’s green initiative.
