Meet Elijah Hogan, the Homeless Student Who Graduated as Valedictorian
ELIJAH HOGAN – The 19-year-old student from Louisiana, USA, has gained international recognition for graduating as valedictorian from Walter L. Cohen High School in New Orleans on May 24, 2024, despite being homeless for over a year. Achieving a remarkable 3.93 GPA, Elijah’s story has inspired many.
Elijah’s journey to becoming valedictorian was fraught with hardships. At 11, he lost his mother and went to live with his grandmother. However, it was short-lived when they were forced to leave their home after the lease expired and the property was sold.
Elijah’s grandmother moved into an elderly home, while Elijah found refuge at the Covenant House, a shelter for homeless youth in New Orleans. The shelter’s transitional housing program, offering free accommodation for two years to young people aged 16-22, allowed Elijah to concentrate on his studies without the burden of housing insecurity.
When Elijah was named valedictorian, he initially thought it was a mistake. Once it was confirmed, he was astonished and deeply moved. In his valedictory speech, he expressed profound gratitude to the Covenant House and its staff for their support and guidance, crediting them with helping him achieve his academic success. He dedicated his perseverance and hard work to the dreams his late mother had for him.
Looking ahead, Elijah plans to attend Xavier University in New Orleans to study graphic design. Although he received a scholarship covering his tuition, he still needed financial support for housing and meal plans. To address this, Elijah launched a GoFundMe campaign, aiming to raise $15,000 (PHP882,000). The response from the public was overwhelming, with donations exceeding his goal and reaching $38,119 (PHP2.24 million). This substantial financial support will cover Elijah’s housing and meal expenses, ensuring he can fully focus on his college education and secure his basic needs.
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