They’ve Been Friends Since 2nd Grade. Now These NJ Teens Are Headed To The Ivy League

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.

Since they first met in the second grade, Abdulqudus “Abdul” Morakinyo and Bryan Oko have supported and challenged one another academically for more than a decade.

“After every test, I’d be like, ‘Abdul, what did you get?’” said Oko. “And Abdul would ask me, ‘Bryan, what did you get?’”

They have helped each other along the way, keeping each other from getting discouraged in the face of a challenge, and sharing opportunities to advance and excel in their academics and extracurricular activities. Now, their shared journey has culminated in their acceptance to one of the nation’s most prestigious colleges, Brown University.

“Honestly, this is possible for any student,” said Morakinyo. “As long as you look out for opportunities and really keep on track of all of them. Ask your guidance counselors, ask friends, and try to keep up to date with everyone.”

Morakinyo, who is considering a career in electrical engineering, is valedictorian of his graduating class, and Oko, who aspires to be a robotics engineer, is the salutatorian. Both seniors have made the most of the opportunities available at NSDSIT, which opened in 2021 as part of the district’s high school redesign program outlined in its historic 10-year strategic plan. The Next Decade: 2020-2030.

“Abdul and Bryan are two young men who have demonstrated that brotherhood, determination, strong support, and access to opportunity, there is nothing that Newark students cannot achieve,” said Superintendent León. “Their acceptance to Brown University is a personal achievement for them, and it is also an affirmation that the changes we have made in our high schools continues to bring out the best in our students.”

Dr. Liana Summey, NSDSIT Principal, described the moment as both humbling and deeply meaningful.

“These are two young men who are so passionate about what they’re learning and the futures that they want to build for themselves, and just to see that they are best friends who are also committed to each other,” Summey said. “They've been that way since they came into the school. When I see them both rising to the occasion together like this and committing to support one another in the next step, I feel a lot of pride and gratitude.”

“Our students continue to raise the bar for what is possible,” said Board of Education President Hasani K. Council. “Abdul and Bryan’s success reflects not only their individual brilliance, but also the strength of a school community that nurtures talent, fosters collaboration, and inspires excellence. They are trailblazers for Newark students who will follow in their footsteps.”

Morakinyo and Oko have completed Advanced Placement coursework, dual enrollment courses at Howard University, Cornell University, and Arizona State University. They participated in programs like the MIT Introduction to Technology, Engineering, and Science (MITES), Governor’s STEM Scholars, robotics club, and the Duke of Edinburgh’s International Award.

They also held leadership roles and participated in organizations such as the National Honor Society and SkillsUSA, while balancing rigorous academic schedules and, in Bryan’s case, part-time work at the Newark Museum of Art.

The two students credit their success not only to their own hard work, but also to the support of teachers and mentors, including their guidance counselor and faculty members who encouraged them to pursue competitive programs and college opportunities.

“Data Science is a phenomenal school,” said Oko. “What Abdul and I have tried to do is take advantage of everything that they had to offer, and I think that played a very crucial role in our acceptance.”

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