Gigantic Remarkable Achievement: Homeless Teen Shines as Class Valedictorian in New Orleans

DEBARYLIFE – Elijah Hogan graduated last month with a 3.93 GPA from Walter L. Cohen High School in New Orleans, where he was awarded, valedictorian. And he accomplished it while being homeless in some way.

Hogan, 19, told CNN that when he realized what he had done, even he was shocked.

“When I saw it and was shown evidence that it was me, I was in awe, like, I was jaw dropped,” he added. “I thought they were mistaking me for someone else.”

After his grandmother’s house lease expired a year and a half ago, Hogan, who had moved in with her when he was eleven, found himself without a place to live. The owner told Hogan and his grandmother thirty days to leave the house after deciding to sell it.

“I decided to live independently to relieve my grandmother of some of her responsibilities,” he informed CNN.

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Hogan’s mother passed away shortly before his 12th birthday, thus he went into Covenant House, a juvenile and young adult homeless shelter in New Orleans, after his grandmother moved into an assisted living facility.

Young people can reside at Elijah Hogan Marlon Winn Covenant House for up to 24 months without paying rent, which gives them more time to concentrate on their education. Hogan is one of at least five residents of the shelter who will graduate from high school this year, according to officials who spoke with WDSU.

“Making friends was my biggest obstacle. There were numerous challenges I faced. However, I was able to address them directly,” Hogan told WDSU.

He said to the local news source that a lot of individuals helped him reach to this point in his life.

“The Covenant House is one of them. I wouldn’t be where I am now without their assistance, stated Hogan. Members of my family make up the other. Even though they live out of state, I still keep in touch with them.

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“Elijah deserves to be honored for his efforts. CEO of Collegiate Academies Jerel Bryant said in a statement, “We know that they are a product of his character and the choices he made day after day to pursue his dreams.” His accomplishments also demonstrate the excellence and capability of Black youngsters in New Orleans and throughout the nation.

They do when we encourage them and a chance to shine. Elijah’s tale should inspire educators and community leaders to continue investing in our children. The best is due to them.

In an interview with CNN, Hogan gave young people the following advice: “You are your own guiding light, regardless of your ethnicity, color, or accent. You are the author of your storybook. Give yourself the same pen you use to write on paper.

Elijah, Congratulations!