Photo Provided Nia Fernandes is governor of the West Virginia State Key Club.

VIENNA — Nia Fernandes, 17, of Vienna has been admitted into Harvard University.

She is the daughter of Christopher and Ninette Fernandes of Vienna and is a senior at Parkersburg High School. From among all the Ivy League universities that chose Nia, Harvard was her No. 1 choice and always has been, she said.

She will be headed there this fall as a freshman.

Excelling inside and outside of the classroom, Nia has been ranked No. 1 in her class at Parkersburg High School for all four years. She is a National Merit Finalist, Bill Gates Finalist, Charles E. McCallister Key of Honor recipient, and Governor of the West Virginia State Key Club and member of the International Council, representing the state in 38 countries.

Nia has also been selected for the international STAR award, the highest award given to a senior high school woman demonstrating outstanding academic achievement, leadership, extracurricular activities, and community service.

Nia has started statewide projects, such as a W.Va. branch of Agape and W.Va. Project Feed, both of which have taken off and will continue after she graduates. Nia is a member of the National Honor Society, National Spanish Honor Society, and has previously been the WV Key Club Lieutenant Governor, State Board Member, member of the PHS girls’ soccer team, captain of several academic teams at PHS, president of clubs, and two-time serving as president of her class.

Outside of school, Nia was one of 100 students selected across the nation for a highly-selective STEM program. Besides the many academic clubs and extracurriculars, Nia enjoys Taekwondo, playing the piano, tutoring, and being actively involved in the St. Michael’s Church.

“While I loved being actively involved in these activities throughout high school, senior year has brought in newer and higher responsibilities. Although hectic, this year has been amazing,” Nia said.

Nia earned a diploma in Biotechnology Engineering at the University of Pennsylvania (UPenn), where she submitted a research proposal for cancer treatment. In addition to the many AP courses she has taken throughout high school, this year Nia has excelled in challenging college courses as well.

She also balanced lots of travel, which came with her duties as the Governor of the W.Va. State Key Club and International Council member, and the stressful college application season.

With an acceptance rate of only 5 percent, it is not easy to get into Harvard University. Nia admits she was anxious this year as the admission rate at Harvard was brought down even further.

Out of the over 40,000 applications received, less than 2,000 students are admitted. Recalling her Harvard acceptance letter Nia says it was her “best Christmas present ever.”

Nia is grateful to many who have helped her along her journey. First and foremost, her family. Her parents have always been supportive and encouraged her to work hard in order to achieve her goals, she said.

Nia’s two older brothers have also been great role models, one graduating from Harvard University in math and statistics and one graduating early from West Virginia University to start law school in the fall.

Nia is also thankful for her teachers, counselors and administrators at Parkersburg High School, Taekwondo instructors at the Elite Sports Center, church and community.

Reminiscing about the night she was accepted into Harvard University, ranked as the No. 1 university in the world, Nia said, “Dreams do come true. I dreamed about this day, I worked hard for it, and my dream came true.”