Senior Spotlight: Ayo Omilola '22, Harvard University

January 27, 2022

As a member of the High School Concert Band, Jazz Band and Main Stage Theatre, a writer for the Léman Science Journal, as well as a volunteer for the United Nations World Food Program, Ayo Omilola has made the most of his high school experience. In addition to his many activities and leadership roles, Ayo has earned an Outstanding rating from the New York State School Music Association Solo Festival, been named a College Board National African American Recognition Program Scholar, and won 3rd place in Léman’s division of the American Mathematics Competition. 

In addition to these achievements, Ayo is also a full IB Diploma Candidate. He said, “The IB is definitely challenging but I like it because you’re not just learning facts, but rather concepts and skills. Writing the internal assessments and extended essays also sharpen your research skills which I think is very important for college.” Those skills will serve him well when he becomes the first student in Léman history to matriculate at Harvard University. “The first time I went to Harvard was in 2010, for a sightseeing trip with my family. I loved it then, and I wished that one day I would become a student at Harvard. One thing that attracted me when I was applying to Harvard is that the university has the largest academic library collection in the world. Additionally, the university is very diverse, which matches my international background. Every day I will learn something new and continue to become a better version of myself,” he said. 

“When you break down all the parts of the college application, the essays, the application, S.A.T. scores, the process becomes easier. I took the S.A.T. in my junior year and worked on the essays over the summer and then I completed the application during the first trimester of my senior year. This prepared me to submit the application on time for Early Action,” he said. He is a true believer in planning ahead. He said, “If you want to be successful at Léman, you need to have a plan and be focused. You can’t wait until the last minute to apply to college. It’s an ongoing process that takes place throughout your high school career. In ninth and tenth grades, explore your interests and after school activities and then start narrowing them down and focusing on what you are passionate about.” 

When asked what he’s most looking forward to about Harvard, he said, “I’m excited to continue to learn more about potential areas of study like becoming a better applied mathematician and perhaps exploring engineering. I would also like to take part in volunteering opportunities at Harvard and explore all that Harvard has to offer.”

“I would like to thank all my teachers in Léman, and Ms. Ongna, my college counselor, for supporting me in high school.” 

Congratulations, Ayo. We know you’ll be successful at Harvard and beyond!