New Orleans valedictorian Walter L. Cohen defies expectations; graduated first in his class while homeless

Lina PortmanJune 1, 2024

0 4 minutes read

UPDATE: You can now donate to Eljah Hogan by clicking this link: Elijah Hogan Fundraiser: Elijah Hogan's Fight for Education and Stability (gofundme.com) Hogan has also created a list Amazon Wishes for your first year of college at Xavier University: You can help us by clicking on this link: Amazon.com Beat the odds. A high school student has been crowned valedictorian of his high school. But it's the way he did it that will inspire you. This is a story we first brought to you last week. Four young African-American men all became valedictorians in New Orleans. WDSU brought you three initially. Journalist Shay O'Connor was unable to find the fourth, Walter L. Cohen's Elijah Hogan. We found out it's because Hogan lives at Covenant House, a homeless shelter. Elijah Hogan had a message for the youth of New Orleans: “This goes out to all African-American children. Teenagers included. It doesn't matter where you are or what region you're in, even if it may seem bad. There are times when there will be people who will guide you, take this opportunity. Hogan earned a 3.89 GPA at Cohen. “My main challenge was fitting in. I went through a lot of obstacles. But I was able to face them head on,” Hogan said. He had many people to thank. “One of them is Covenant House. Without their help, I wouldn't be where I am. The other is my family members. They're out of state, but I still have connections with them,” Hogan said. With the memory of his mother, who died when Hogan was only 8 years old. For the past year and a half, he has resided at Covenant House, which provides housing for homeless youth. His social worker, Jarkayla Cobb, said the house organizers knew right away how brilliant Hogan was. She filmed Hogan's speech to her class, which made her cry. “I can see him really enjoying this moment. It was all I could have asked for. Such a great moment,” Cobb said. For the teenager, the fight was one he took on with enthusiasm, knowing his accomplishments would inspire his siblings and others. young people who could find themselves in a similar situation. “Don't let other people define who you are. Don't let things get you down. Let these moments help you. Get through it,” he said. Covenant House officials said Hogan was one of five others living at the shelter who graduated this year. They all excel in their studies. Hogan will make a full trip to Xavier University in the fall, where he will major in graphic design. As soon as the story aired on WDSU, organizers of Blessed 26, a male mentoring program in New Orleans, contacted Hogan to invite him to events with the program. Officials at Covenant House New Orleans are accepting donations for the teen at the site located at 611 North Rampart Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70122. They are accepting donations for Hogan's first year of college.

UPDATE: You can now donate to Eljah Hogan by clicking this link:

Elijah Hogan Fundraising: Elijah Hogan's Fight for Education and Stability (gofundme.com)

Hogan also created an Amazon wish list for his first year of college at Xavier University: You can help us by clicking this link:

Amazon.com

Beat the odds. A high school student has been crowned valedictorian of his high school. But it's the way he did it that will inspire you.

This is a story we first brought to you last week. Four young African-American men all became valedictorians in New Orleans. WDSU brought you three initially.

Journalist Shay O'Connor was unable to find the fourth, Walter L. Cohen's Elijah Hogan. We found out it's because Hogan lives at Covenant House, a homeless shelter.

Elijah Hogan had a message for the youth of New Orleans.

“This is for all African American children. Teenagers included. It doesn't matter where you are or what region you are in, no matter how bad it may seem. There are times when there will be people who will give you a hand. Take that opportunity.

Hogan earned a 3.89 GPA at Cohen.

“My main challenge was fitting in. I went through a lot of obstacles. But I was able to face them head on,” Hogan said.

He had many people to thank.

“One of them is Covenant House. Without their help, I wouldn't be where I am. The other is my family members. They're out of state, but I still have connections with them,” Hogan said.

With the memory of his mother, who died when Hogan was only 8 years old. For the past year and a half, he has resided at Covenant House, which provides housing for homeless youth.

His social worker, Jarkayla Cobb, said the house organizers knew right away how brilliant Hogan was. She filmed Hogan's speech to her class, which made her cry.

“I can see him really enjoying this moment. It was all I could have asked for. Such a good time,” Cobb said.

For the teen, the fight was one he fought calmly, knowing his accomplishments would inspire his siblings and other young people who might find themselves in a similar situation.

“Don't let other people define who you are. Don't let things get you down. Let these moments help you. Get through it,” he said.

Covenant House officials said Hogan was one of five others living at the shelter who graduated this year. They all excel in their studies.

Hogan will be making a full trip to Xavier University in the fall, where he will major in graphic design.

As soon as the story aired on WDSU, organizers of Blessed 26, a men's mentoring program in New Orleans, contacted Hogan to invite him to events with the program.

Officials at Covenant House New Orleans are accepting donations for the teen at the site located at 611 North Rampart Street, New Orleans, Louisiana, 70122. They are accepting donations for Hogan's first year of college.