At a time when college admissions can feel more stressful than celebratory, Dominic Antoine Jr. gave his community something bigger to smile about. The Fremont High School senior from East Oakland was accepted into all 31 colleges he applied to, all while maintaining a 4.3 GPA and building a reputation as a student leader who shows up for others.
When it came time to make a final decision on May 1, he chose Louisiana State University, where he plans to study biology on a pre-med track. LSU was the first school to offer him admission, and the merit scholarship that came with it helped make the choice feel aligned. He shared that he followed his instincts and went with the place that felt right in his heart.
His college list reflected both ambition and intention. He applied to major California campuses like UCLA and UC Berkeley, while also considering several Historically Black Colleges and Universities through the Common Black College Application. Schools like Howard University, Tennessee State University, Morgan State University, and Syracuse University were all in the mix, but not one of those 31 applications came back with a rejection.
What makes this moment stand out even more is that his success was not limited to academics. School leaders described him as someone who advocates for students with disabilities and works to make sure they feel included in activities and school life. That kind of care says a lot about the kind of person he is becoming, especially in a culture that often celebrates achievement without always recognizing character.
His future goal of becoming an orthopedic surgeon also comes from lived experience. Years of playing basketball, football, and track meant regular visits to doctors, MRIs, x-rays, and recovery appointments. Those moments of being treated and helped shaped how he sees his own future in medicine. For a lot of young Black students, stories like Dominic Antoine Jr. represent more than personal success. They reflect what happens when talent, discipline, community care, and vision all meet at once.
