It is a dream come true for this teenager.

A volleyball player who attended North Albion Collegiate Institute has won a scholarship to attend the iconic Harvard University, one of the top schools in the U.S.

Azim Raheem, 17, who stands at six-feet, seven-inches, will be attending Harvard on an athletic scholarship, becoming the first in North Albion’s near 60-year history.

He managed to impress scouts at a tournament in Chicago last January, just before the pandemic hit,  earning him a much-coveted position on the volleyball team of an Ivy League university.

Instead of the trip to the Windy City, he had to settle for a virtual tour of the university due to the virus.

He is eager to praise the teachers, coaches, guidance counsellors and other students and family members who helped him on his journey.

Daniel Girdler, the head of health and physical education at North Albion, said he’s never worked at a school where a student has gone on to attend Harvard.

Girder said Raheem is an incredible athlete, a top-notch student and a great person.

The athlete has managed to upkeep straight A grades in his studies. His leadership skills also set him apart.

“I always wanted to go to Harvard. I always thought it would be cool. It was kind of like a little dream… But I never thought that they would approach me,” Raheem told CBC News.

He was asked to apply for early admissions to Harvard University and now, will not only be playing on the school’s men’s volleyball team. He will also receive financial aid over the course of his four years of studies.

Raheem’s coaches and teachers describe him as humble and hard working. For his part, he is grateful for the support of his friends and loved ones. “Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am today,” he said.