Los Angeles High School Senior Accepted to 65 Colleges

A high school senior at Verbum Dei Jesuit High School in Los Angeles was accepted to 65 colleges and committed to Columbia University for the fall semester. The student, who experienced periods of homelessness during childhood, said he applied to many schools in part because his mother had limited college options.

He described moving frequently and credited local after-school programs, basketball, and teachers at the school with providing stability.

One teacher nominated him during his sophomore year to attend a NASA program in Houston, which sparked his interest in engineering. The student said he feels calm about the acceptances and plans to major in industrial engineering while studying abroad in Egypt.

Travis Russell, S.J., said the school community could not be prouder of the graduate. He stated that Lamont's success reflects dedicated teachers, real relationships, corporate partners, high standards, and character formation. The student advised others to be themselves and always believe in themselves.