Barnes, a senior at International High School of New Orleans, has received just over $9 million in academic scholarships from higher ed schools, his school said.

He said he plans to enroll in college this fall.

A New Orleans native, Barnes told USA TODAY he started submitted college applications in August.

“I am still getting letters. Decision letters were an overflow in my mailbox,”  Barnes said by phone Tuesday. “I’m proud of myself. I’m a Black man and you don’t find that too often in the Black community.. it stands out.”

His parents, Dennis Barnes Sr. and Reba Barnes, are proud, he said, and his classmates are “very supportive, always encouraging him to push forward.”

“We’ve known from an early age that Dennis was destined for great things,” his father said Tuesday. “The fact he received $9 million in scholarships is a true blessing and we can’t wait for him to begin his college journey.”

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As far as interest in what school he plans to chose, Barnes said he has his list narrowed down, but remained mum on his No. 1 choice.

Clark Castle, a spokesman for the high school, said so far Barnes has received scholarship offers ranging from $12,000 up to $164,000 from the various education institutions.

Castle said Barnes plans to announce his college choice during the first week of May.

Barnes, who turns 17 in August, is set to graduate May 24.

A 4.98 GPA

Although the school year is still ongoing, Barnes said he’s maintained a 4.98 GPA.

A member of National Honor Society, Barnes is fluent in Spanish and received an official qualification from the Institute Cervantes on behalf of Spain’s Ministry of Education, Culture, and Sports. He was also recently awarded the Jose Luis Baños Award for Excellence in Spanish Language by Maria Page, Honorary Consul of Spain in New Orleans.

In addition, Barnes has been dual enrolled at Southern University of New Orleans since the winter of 2021, earning college credits while pursuing his high school diploma.

Barns plans to pursue a dual undergraduate degree in computer science and said he hopes to attend law school.

Did he set a world record?

We may never know if Barnes set a record for the most number of scholarships offered by a high schooler.

“Guinness World Records does not monitor a record title similar to the “largest amount of scholarships earned by a high school student,'” Kylie Galloway, a Guinness World Records spokesperson told USA TODAY.

Natalie Neysa Alund covers breaking and trending news for USA TODAY. Reach her at [email protected] and follow her on Twitter @nataliealund.

Source: usatoday.com