Onovu Otitigbe-Dangerfield asks a million questions.
Her curiosity, smarts and persistence have paid off. With her near-perfect GPA, the Albany High School senior is poised to be valedictorian of the Class of 2021.
She will be the first African-American valedictorian in the school’s history. Reaching that milestone is empowering, she said.
“An image speaks realities into existence that people can’t necessarily envision for themselves unless they get to see that representation for themselves,” she said.
She hopes to use the platform to inspire not only other young women of color, but individuals throughout her community.
School always was a priority for Otitigbe-Dangerfield, who also was valedictorian of her eighth-grade class at Stephen and Harriet Myers Middle School.
“I come from a Nigerian household, so education has always been important,” Otitigbe-Dangerfield said.
She also liked school and was eager to learn.
“I’ve always been curious and my desire to learn is what motivated me to be dedicated to studying and seeking to understand content,” she said.
Her family provides the chief inspiration for her work ethic, providing her with a group of strong role models from professions that range from engineering to teaching to child-care. Other critical support came from the teachers, guidance counselors and coaches who encouraged her learn, create and innovate.
Ellen Green was Otitigbe-Dangerfield’s middle school guidance counselor, and the two remain close.
“Even in her middle school years, Onovu navigated systemic roadblocks and was a champion for her education, which of course continued to drive her toward increased confidence and success,” Green said.
“Being in her presence for only a minute will allow you to realize she will make the world a better place.”
Technology teacher Allen Landman taught Otitigbe-Dangerfield all four years of high school and worked with her on the school’s robotics team. He said she’s one of the best students he’s ever had the pleasure to teach.
“Onovu’s ability to challenge herself and still persevere has always been something I admire most about her,” Landman said. “She has always exhibited a combination of a positive attitude and a desire to constantly seek more knowledge.
“I know she will continue to display the same level of commitment in everything she does.”
Joshua Binfield, her longtime soccer coach, sees Otitigbe-Dangerfield as an inspiration.
“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,” 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 said people like Green, Landman and Binfield have helped her grow academically and personally.
“I’ve been able to develop a lot of confidence with the support I have,” she said.
With that confidence, came leadership skills.
For example, Otitigbe-Dangerfield isn’t just at the head of her class. She also is president of the robotics team, president of Key Club and editor-in-chief of the online school newspaper The Nest.
She sings in the Select Choir and plays violin and piano in the Jazz Improv Band. She’s also part of a group of seniors that operates the Student Technology Help Desk. She also makes time on weekends to work at a nursing home, be involved in church activities and binge-watch reality TV shows and episodes of “Law and Order” with her grandmother.
“Yes, I sleep,” she said when questioned about her busy schedule.
Superintendent Kaweeda G. Adams first met Otitigbe-Dangerfield when the student was at the top her freshman class at Albany High.
“I am thrilled to see her accomplish the goal of valedictorian,” Adams said. “Onovu is an inspiration not only to her peers, but adults as well.
“Her determination, work ethic and commitment to excellence model what it takes to be focused on your destination while still enjoying the journey. I am very proud of her.”
In the future, Otitigbe-Dangerfield hopes to specialize in pediatric robotic-assisted neurosurgery and become a “surgineer,” an emerging field that combines the interdisciplinary aspects of robotic design and performing surgery.
As for the future? Harvard and Yale universities have accepted Otitigbe-Dangerfield, and she’s waiting to hear from other schools before she makes a final decision this spring.