Kelechi I. Acholonu, Esq. ’01

Kelechi I. Acholonu, Esq. attended Princeton University and Georgetown University Law Center. When Kelechi was 8 years old, her mother was involved in a car accident. Because Kelechi was in the car at the time, her mother’s lawyer asked her to testify as a witness. Although Kelechi was frightened, the lawyer eased her nerves. While on the witness stand, she noticed that her mother and her mother’s lawyer were the only women present. The defendant, his lawyer, and the judge were all men. Kelechi was impressed by the grace and confidence shown by her mother’s lawyer. That day, Kelechi told her mother that she wanted to be a lawyer. She wanted to advocate for others as her mother’s lawyer had done. Kelechi’s mother told her that she could be anything she wanted to be. She was right.

At PVI, Kelechi was inspired by Mr. Joe Hewitt, who taught religion; Mr. Kevin Gallagher, who taught honors chemistry; and Mr. John Yeager, who taught honors English. Their classes were interesting, each one had a great sense of humor, and they were always available to students. All three were instrumental in Kelechi’s decision to attend Princeton University. Kelechi hesitated because she had received full scholarships to public universities that seemed better for her financially. However, her teachers encouraged her to take this opportunity, even if it meant taking out student loans, and luckily, she received some scholarships for Princeton. Kelechi is glad that she took their valuable advice.

 

Kelechi is a court attorney in the New York Supreme Court, where she works to resolve complex civil issues. Previously, she represented children in family court in Kings County and New York County, clerked with Hon. Michael D. Stallman (ret.) of the New York Supreme Court, and worked in litigation and international arbitration for a Wall Street white shoe law firm, where she represented multinational corporations. She is co-chair of the New York Women’s Bar Association Advance the Status of Women in the Profession Committee and a member of the Metropolitan Black Bar Association. Her pro bono work includes representing children in family court and federal immigration proceedings and serving as an arbitrator.

Kelechi also serves on the board of two nonprofits that provide immigration legal services; speaks to high school and college students about college and careers; organizes a monthly women’s book club; and travels when she has the time. She has visited all seven continents and notes that Antarctica is far, but beautiful!

 

Kelechi’s family is originally from Nigeria, and the Catholic faith was an important part of her upbringing. Her parents worked hard and sacrificed to send Kelechi and her siblings to Catholic school. Her brother, Ike Acholonu ’06, is also a PVI alum. Kelechi planned to attend public high school but was offered a scholarship to Paul VI because her parish monsignor was impressed with her academic ability. Kelechi is grateful for this opportunity and for the many people who have enriched her faith. While in college, she met Pope John Paul II and the future Pope Benedict XVI, thanks to Prince of Liechtenstein Catholic Leaders Fellowship, and she met the Prince and Princess of Liechtenstein in their castle. She describes them as great examples of Catholics inspiring and encouraging other Catholics.

Kelechi reminds students to work hard and participate, listen to their teachers’ good advice, and reach out to classmates who are minorities, especially those from immigrant families. Particularly in these trying political times, she reminds us that we should work together as a Christian community. Although Kelechi unfortunately has faced racism, she has also met people who made her feel welcome. She encourages PVI students to be good to each other and to remember the important message, “judge not lest ye be judged” (Matthew 7:1-3).

 

Kelechi was voted “most likely to succeed” senior year, and she has always worked hard to do her best. She believes that to whom much is given, much will be required. She thanks Paul VI High school for inducting her into the Hall of Fame and is humbled and honored to receive this award.