*NEW ORLEANS (WDSU) — Beating the odds. A high school senior (Elijah Hogan) was crowned valedictorian at his high school. But it’s how he did it that will have you inspired. It’s because Hogan lives at the Covenant House, a homeless shelter.
Elijah Hogan had a message for New Orleans youth.
“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 when there will be people who will give you a guiding hand. Take that opportunity,” Hogan said.
Hogan graduated with a 3.89 GPA from Cohen.
“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 said.
He had many people to thank.
“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 a connection with them,” Hogan said.
Along with the memory of his mother, who died when Hogan was only 8. For the last year and a half, he’s been a resident at the Covenant House, which provides a place to stay for youth who are homeless.
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