He is going to college. I’m sorry you’re disappointed. He did what he was supposed to do: earn his grades, participate, contribute to his school and, hopefully, his community.
Presumably, he is going to a college he likes and that is affordable. The reward is knowing that he did his best and that he is privileged enough to be able to attend college at all.
I’m always sad when parents or students feel that working hard in high school is a waste of time unless they get into HYPS. That’s the wrong lesson to learn from all that hard work.
This might help clarify your questions.
http://talk.qa.collegeconfidential.com/t/why-its-so-hard-to-get-into-an-under-15-acceptance-rate-school