Inspiring Newark Teen Accepted To Nearly Every Ivy League University

NEWARK, NJ — Angel Ortiz has a pleasant problem to solve: which Ivy League university should he attend after high school?

Ortiz, a senior at Newark’s historic Arts High School, knows he is interested in political science. He just needs to decide where he will study it.

According to the Newark Public School District, the teen has achieved a rare academic milestone: acceptance to seven of the nation’s eight Ivy League universities.

Ortiz was accepted to Yale University this week after having previously been admitted to Dartmouth College, the University of Pennsylvania, Harvard University, Columbia University, Brown University and Princeton University (the only Ivy League school missing from his list is Cornell University).

Ortiz is still weighing his options and plans to visit several campuses before making a final decision.

“I had a feeling I could get into more than one Ivy, but never did I anticipate getting into every one I applied to,” said Ortiz, a 17-year-old first-generation Latino student from the Ironbound section of Newark.

“I’m still processing it,” the ambitious teen enthused. “When the notifications came in, I spent two hours walking around the kitchen in shock, while my mom sat there in disbelief.”

School Superintendent Roger León said that Ortiz’s academic feat is a “powerful symbol of what is possible for young people in Newark.”

“His story inspires us all,” León said. “We are incredibly proud of Angel, whose remarkable academic journey is a testament to our schools’ strength, our educators’ dedication, our supportive parents, and our students’ resilience.”

“Angel embodies the spirit of Arts High School. He’s creative, driven, and full of purpose,” agreed Arts High School principal Regina Sharpe.

“He has worked very hard and taken full advantage of every opportunity, both in and out of the classroom, and the result is something truly historic,” Sharpe said. “We are beyond proud of him and can’t wait to see the incredible impact he will make in the world.”

Newark Board of Education president Hasani Council called Ortiz’s achievements “extraordinary.”

“On behalf of the Board of Education, we congratulate him and wish him continued success as he chooses his path forward,” Council said.

The Newark Board of Education shared more details about Ortiz’s inspiring journey:

For Ortiz, the acceptances represent more than personal achievement. They’re a tribute to his family’s sacrifices and a symbol of possibility for his community.

“As a first-generation Latino son of immigrants, I know that avenues like college are much harder to access for people like us,” he said. “I hope that now, during my college life, and in my future career, I can be the best representation of my community and loved ones.”

Ortiz plans to major in political science and is considering a minor in American studies. Inspired by a love of world geography, current events, and civic engagement, he envisions a future as a lawyer, government official, or researcher.

Outside the classroom, Ortiz is deeply engaged in student life. He serves as treasurer of the National Arts Honor Society and is a member of the National Honor Society, Spanish Honor Society, and the Peer Leadership program. He also participates in NJLEEP, a program that supports underrepresented students with college readiness and legal education. His proudest NJLEEP moment came in Spring 2024, when he advanced to the Debater of the Year competition for his work in mock Constitutional Law trials.

Born and raised in Newark, Ortiz is a product of Ann Street School and has flourished at Arts High School, where he is a visual arts major.

“Arts High School is so much more than just a school,” Ortiz said. “It’s a place where our Advanced Placement Literature class has developed an unprecedented comradery; where Visual Arts majors like me can freely express ourselves; and where we’ve built bonds that will last long after graduation.”

The son of hardworking parents from Oaxaca, Mexico, Ortiz credits their sacrifice and determination as key to his success. His parents, part-owners of two family-run pizzerias in Belleville and Phillipsburg, have instilled in him the value of perseverance and pride in one’s roots.

Despite his rigorous academic and extracurricular commitments, Ortiz still finds time to enjoy life—whether it’s sketching, reading Toni Morrison, cheering for FC Barcelona, or discovering new music. His playlist spans Taylor Swift, Kendrick Lamar, Paramore, Peso Pluma, and even My Chemical Romance.

As he prepares for graduation and life beyond Newark, Ortiz remains grounded in gratitude and purpose.

“To those who have supported me, I hope I can repay you through my efforts in college and beyond,” he said. “This is an amazing achievement—but there’s still so much more to be done.”

Inspired by Ortiz? There are plenty of other rousing success stories that have recently come out of the Newark Public School District – check out a few of them below (click headline to read the article):

Immigrant Success Story: Newark Teen Earns Full Ride To Harvard

From a tiny Brazilian village to the Ivy League, this high school senior is living proof that dreams and determination travel far.

Newark Teen Earns 'Once-In-A-Lifetime' Ivy League Scholarship

"Samuel Da Silva is an exceptional young man whose humility, curiosity and quiet determination have always set him apart."

Newark School Of Global Studies Senior Accepted To Columbia University

Reanah Bultron has made history as the first Newark School of Global Studies student to be accepted to an Ivy League university.

Newark School Speech, Debate Teams Win 5 State Championships

Each state champion received The Governor's Medal, a proclamation from the governor and a scholarship.

Newark Vocational Students Earn Medals At Leadership Conference

"Their success is a powerful reflection of the talent, determination and excellence that defines Newark Public Schools."

Newark High School Track Team Ends Season As National Champs

The "Fantastic Four" of the Malcolm X Shabazz High School's boys indoor track team have posted some dazzling relay times.

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