New Orleans valedictorian conquers homelessness and earns full scholarship

NEW ORLEANS (TND) — A high school senior in New Orleans is beating the odds and proving anything is possible if you work hard enough.

Elijah Hogan is a standout student not only for being smart but also because he became valedictorian while homeless.

Among his achievements, he graduated with a 3.89 GPA from Walter L. Cohen High School and accepted a full ride to Xavier University where he will major in graphic design, according to WDSU.

When it came to the challenges he faced, he told WDSU what most teenagers would say -- "fitting in."

"My main challenge was fitting in. There were a lot of obstacles I went through. But I was able to confront them head-on."

Hogan also had many people to thank for helping him get so far after his mother died when he was only 8 years old.

"One of them is the Covenant House. Without their help, I wouldn't be here where I am. The other is my family members. They are out of state, but I still have connection with them," he said.

Thankfully, Covenant House provided a place for Hogan to stay and case worker Jarkayla Cobb said she noticed how bright he was right away.

"I can see him really just enjoying this moment. It was all I could ask for. Such a great moment," Cobb told WDSU.

In a message for New Orleans youth, he encouraged teens to accept a helping hand.

"This goes out to all African-American children. Teens included. Despite where you are or the area you are in, even though it might look bad. There are moments where there will be people who will give you a guiding hand. Take that opportunity," Hogan said.

Staff at the Covenant House told WDSU that Hogan is one of at least five others who live at the shelter who graduate this year.

ncG1vNJzZmivmpawtcKNnKamZ56axLR7zp%2Bdm52RqXyvsdZmpquklZa7tHnVmqOenJmYwbC%2ByJqlZp2cnreitIyhpqCZnmKwsLrQrpyrq12dvK6xy56qrKaVqMBurc2dZJ6ZoqPAbrLUpaNmq5OdvK2t0ayfoqhdrK6twMSrZKVlk6S1prqMoaCgoF2osKm7zqVknKemmruiutNmn6ito5p6tLTEpaueql2trre1xKtkrqaZq7Kzv8itsGafopa9qbXCZpueq5mcu265wKOmq2WZo8CxtdGaq6Knng%3D%3D