NJ Teen Accepted To 2 Ivy League Colleges – Here’s What He Picked

NEWARK, NJ — The following news release comes courtesy of the Newark Board of Education. Find out how to post announcements or events to your local Patch site.

When Emilio Hernandez looks up at the night sky, he doesn’t just see stars. He sees his future.

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A senior at Technology High School, Hernandez has committed to Princeton University, a remarkable achievement that reflects years of discipline, determination, and a passion for learning sparked in childhood.

“I think it means a lot,” Hernandez said of his Ivy League acceptances. “It’s a representation of all the hard work and determination. I want people to see me as an example, that it’s not as far as it seems.”

Hernandez, who plans to study aerospace engineering, traces his interest in space exploration to both family inspiration and personal experience. His uncle works for NASA in Houston, and visits to Puerto Rico, where clear night skies revealed a universe of possibility, helped deepen his fascination.

“I’ve always had a love for space,” he said. “I see myself visiting Mars or the moon one day.”

At Technology High School, Hernandez immersed himself in engineering coursework and hands-on projects through the Technology Student Association. Among his accomplishments, he has designed a model spacecraft using professional software and led a team in developing a system to automate food sorting.

His academic journey has been shaped by strong mentorship from teachers and counselors, as well as the unwavering support of his family. His mother, in particular, played a central role in instilling the discipline that would guide his success.

“One of the main factors was my mom,” Hernandez said. “She’s always been there, pushing me to do my best.”

That discipline is also reflected in Hernandez’s commitment to martial arts. A practitioner of Shotokan karate for 13 years, he recently earned his first-degree black belt. He credits karate with helping him develop focus, balance, and integrity – values that carry over into his academic pursuits.

“Karate is a journey,” he said. “It teaches discipline, respect, and consistency.”

Beyond the classroom, Hernandez is deeply engaged in his community. He has volunteered for years with the Puerto Rican Day Parade in Newark and recently helped organize a youth initiative, Youth Ricans, aimed at fostering pride and engagement among young people in the Puerto Rican community.

“I wanted to inspire youth and help people feel proud of their heritage,” he said.

Born in Ridgewood and raised in Newark, Hernandez attended First Avenue School before enrolling at Technology High School, where he has pursued engineering throughout all four years.

As he prepared to choose between Princeton or Harvard, Hernandez weighed the academic opportunities and the environment and community each university offered.

“I’m looking for a place where I feel comfortable—where I can build relationships with professors and grow as a person,” he said. He was accepted to both Ivy League universities, and has now committed to Princeton.

While his long-term goal is to work in aerospace engineering—possibly even contributing to space missions—Hernandez is also considering a future that blends engineering with law, reflecting his desire for a well-rounded education.

For now, he hopes his story inspires other students across Newark.

“Just take that first step,” Hernandez said. “I don’t consider myself smarter than anyone else. It’s about determination, discipline, and integrity.”

Superintendent León praised Hernandez’s achievement as a powerful example of what is possible for Newark students.

“Emilio’s extraordinary accomplishment reflects the very best of Newark Public Schools students who are intellectually curious, deeply disciplined, and unafraid to pursue ambitious dreams,” said Superintendent León. “Through the opportunities, Emilio has been able to explore his passion for engineering while developing the character and resilience that will carry him forward. He represents the limitless potential of our students.”

Board of Education President Hasani Council said Hernandez’s story should serve as an inspiration to students across the district.

“Emilio Hernandez has shown what can happen when talent, hard work, and support come together,” said Council. “His acceptance to Princeton University is not only a personal achievement, but a proud moment for the entire Newark community. We celebrate him and encourage every student to see themselves in his success and pursue their goals with the same determination.”

Edwin Reyes, principal of Technology High School, highlighted Hernandez’s growth and leadership.

“Emilio is the embodiment of what we strive for at Technology High School,” said Reyes. “He has taken full advantage of our engineering program, challenged himself academically, and remained grounded in strong values of discipline and respect. His success is well-earned, and we are incredibly proud to see him reach this milestone as he prepares to take the next step in his journey.”

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