Toluwanimi Johnson

Born and raised in Chicago, Toluwanimi (translated, “I belong to God”) has a foot in two worlds. Decidedly African and American, Tolu values his Nigerian roots. He is the third-born in a lineup of four children, with whom sibling rivalries regularly emerge. His sister graduated from Princeton and his brother from Carleton. His understated intention to exceed their achievements belies a deep affinity for his family, who he says are “the most important part of me.” That’s saying something, given Tolu’s successes on the court and in the classroom. Under his towering stature is a quiet but determined demeanor. His teachers refer to him as “the gentle giant” and describe him as a person “of character, courage, intellect, hustle, and tenacity.”

Captain of his basketball team for three years, Tolu was twice named to the Independent School League All-Conference Team, playing against formidable contenders in Chicago and making it to regionals every year of high school. He has traveled the country as a team leader and starter with the Illinois Jaguars, an Amateur Athletic Union team. Tolu serves on the board of the Black Student Association at the University of Chicago Lab School where he has succeeded in an advanced curriculum. He is said to be a student who “interacts with peers kindly, praising classmates for their presentations or arguments in class, and someone who supports fellow students.” Teachers describe Tolu as having a “warm personality,” being “emotionally accessible” to younger students, and being someone with “a kind heart.” Tolu and his family attend church regularly, where he plays the drums with his church choir. He loves world languages and has broad interests in psychology, film and media studies, and Spanish.