Victor Aigbedion, a senior at Glen Burnie High School, has made history by being named a 2026 DREAM Scholar by Achieving the Dream. He is the first high school student to receive this national accolade. Aigbedion, an immigrant from Nigeria, is one of only eight students selected for the prestigious program from the United States and South Africa.
Since 2024, Aigbedion has participated in a dual enrollment program at Anne Arundel Community College (AACC), facilitated by the Blueprint for Maryland’s Future, and will complete his fifth and sixth courses this spring semester. Reflecting on his journey, Aigbedion emphasized the challenges of adjusting to a new culture but views his experiences as invaluable. “It gave me a panoramic perspective and taught me how to establish myself in every room I walk into,” he remarked. He sees his recognition as not just a personal achievement but also as a chance to inspire other students who may feel marginalized.
AACC President Dr. Dawn Lindsay praised Aigbedion as an exemplary representation of what students can achieve through the dual enrollment program. “Victor is a tremendous example of what happens when dual-enrolled students take full advantage of the opportunities at AACC,” she stated. Similarly, AACPS Superintendent Dr. Mark Bedell highlighted the importance of the Blueprint initiative in fostering opportunities for students.
In addition to his academic success, Aigbedion has taken on leadership roles at AACC, where he serves as the outreach director of the Ambassadors Campus Team and was a speaker at the 2025 convocation. He also received the Anne Arundel County NAACP Freedom Fund Award last November. Aigbedion is set to graduate this spring with his high school diploma while simultaneously earning a certificate in Law Enforcement and Criminal Justice from AACC. Following graduation, he intends to pursue a major in political science at George Washington University.
Aigbedion’s participation in the upcoming Achieving the Dream conference in Portland, Oregon, marks another significant step in his academic journey. This annual event is designed to elevate the voices of students and connect them with leaders in the community college sector, further showcasing Aigbedion’s commitment to making a difference and inspiring others along the way.