Elijah Hogan, a 19-year-old student from Louisiana, has defied incredible odds to graduate as the valedictorian of Walter L. Cohen High School in New Orleans with a remarkable 3.93 GPA. His journey is a testament to his resilience, determination, and the power of community support.
Elijah’s path to success has been anything but smooth. He faced the devastating loss of his mother at a young age and was left without a permanent home after his grandmother’s house lease expired. Choosing to live independently to ease his grandmother’s burden, Elijah found refuge at Covenant House, a shelter for homeless youth.
Despite these significant challenges, Elijah maintained his academic excellence. His final year of high school was marked by the difficulties of remote learning during the pandemic and the struggles of homelessness, yet he never let these obstacles deter him from his goals.
On May 24th, Elijah delivered a powerful and inspiring graduation speech. He praised his classmates' resilience through the pandemic and personal hardships, encouraging them to take pride in their achievements and have faith in their future. He said,
“Take pride in how far you have come. Have faith in how far you can go. But don’t forget to enjoy your journey.”
Elijah plans to attend Xavier University of Louisiana, where he will pursue a degree in graphic design with some tuition assistance. His dream is to continue creating art and potentially make a career out of his passion.
Elijah's success is not solely his own; it is a victory shared with the community that supported him. He credits the staff and students at Walter L. Cohen High School and the dedicated workers at Covenant House for helping him achieve his goals. Jana DeCoster, director of student activities at Cohen High School, and Jarkayla Cobb, his case worker at Covenant House, were instrumental in his journey.
As Elijah prepares for his first year of college, he needs support. You can help by donating to his GoFundMe campaign or purchasing items from his dorm room wishlist.
Donations are also accepted at Covenant House New Orleans, 611 North Rampart Street, New Orleans, LA 70112.
For other students facing similar challenges, Elijah offers this advice:
“There is a time and place where you can have fun, but try to keep yourself organized on some of your education. Without your education, you will not be able to get through the hardships and meet the people who helped you along the way.”
Elijah Hogan's story is one of perseverance, community, and hope. It serves as a powerful reminder that with determination and support, it is possible to overcome even the most daunting challenges and achieve greatness.
Read more about Elijah's unforgettable story.