Born in Greece of Nigerian parents, Ife became aware of VES through her involvement with the New Jersey Seeds, an enrichment program that helps prepare qualified students for placement at top schools. Here at VES Ife has been an accomplished student and athlete, involving herself in many extracurricular activities. For Ife, rigor is not just a value but a way of life that honors commitment and challenge.
“I’ve really changed as a person since coming to VES. I’ve become more involved, more aware, and more ready to help.”
Ife ‘11
“Coming to VES has made a big difference in my life. My school back home was so big and impersonal. Here I can connect more easily to people and focus much more than I used to. The teachers demand a lot, but they always find a way to make things fun and interactive. And what’s really nice is that the students all want to do their best and so we motivate each other. That kind of motivation extends to all aspects of life here at VES. I play volleyball in the fall, basketball in the winter, and run track in the spring. I’m in the Glee Club and give tours to prospective students and their families. I’m a member of the Diversity Club and co-lead Operation Christmas Child, which is a program that collects and wraps toys for needy children. This year, I decided I wanted to try acting so I signed on for the fall play, The Girlhood of Shakespeare’s Heroines, playing Miranda from The Tempest. That’s the feeling at VES - that if you want to try something, you can. All that’s asked is that you do your best at whatever you take on. That seems fair to me.”
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