Eufaula, Alabama—In a testament to resilience and academic excellence, 18-year-old Trinity Gant, a recent graduate of Eufaula High School, has been awarded a full-ride scholarship to Harvard University, totaling $1.9 million in scholarship funds. Her journey to this prestigious institution is a story of dedication, perseverance, and outstanding achievement.
Trinity’s high school years were marked by an impressive balance of academic and extracurricular commitments. “I was really almost in every club,” Trinity recalls. “I had stuff to do almost every day of the week.” Despite her busy schedule, she graduated with an outstanding 4.16 GPA.
However, Trinity’s path to college was not without its challenges. She faced several rejections and waitlists from her top college choices, including Duke University, the University of Georgia, and Howard University. “I was getting rejected, waitlisted left and right,” she said. “It was kind of disheartening.”
Fate, however, had different plans. Shortly after these setbacks, Trinity received an acceptance letter from Harvard University. The news came as a surprise to her. “I applied and I didn’t think I would get in,” she admitted. “I FaceTimed my mom and was like, ‘Guess what?’ and she said, ‘What?’ I told her I got into Harvard, and she said, ‘Shut up, you’re lying.’”
Trinity’s acceptance to Harvard is accompanied by a scholarship from the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, ensuring that all her educational expenses are covered. “Literally everything counts,” she said. “There’s also going to be opportunities for me to study abroad through it too. I’m just so grateful for all that I got.”
Trinity’s achievements are a source of immense pride for her family, especially her mother, Taylor Copper. “Living in a single-parent household, she’s done everything for us,” Trinity shared. “She’s my biggest motivator. I hope every sacrifice she’s made for me, I can make up for when I go to school.”
Taylor expressed her pride and joy for her daughter’s accomplishments. “I’m so proud of you, my love, Trinity Gant!! Most people only see the awards and accolades, but I’ve seen firsthand the hard work and dedication you’ve put into everything you’ve accomplished in your academic career!!! Congratulations,” she said.
At Harvard, Trinity plans to concentrate in Human Developmental and Regenerative Biology, a field that aligns with her passion and aspirations. As she prepares to embark on this new chapter in Massachusetts, she acknowledges that leaving her mother will be the biggest challenge yet. Nonetheless, she is ready to take on the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead.
Trinity Gant’s story is not just one of personal triumph but also an inspiration to many. Her journey underscores the importance of perseverance, the impact of supportive family, and the rewards of hard work. As she heads to Harvard, she carries with her the hopes and dreams of her family and community, ready to make a significant mark in the world.
Elijah Hogan, a 19-year-old student from New Orleans, has achieved a remarkable milestone by graduating as valedictorian from Walter L. Cohen High School despite living in a homeless shelter. His story is a testament to resilience, determination, and the power of community support.
Hogan faced significant challenges throughout his high school years. Living in Covenant House, a shelter for youth under 22 in New Orleans, he dealt with the instability and hardships that come with homelessness. Despite these obstacles, Hogan excelled academically, finishing his senior year with a 3.93 GPA, earning the title of valedictorian for the class of 2024.
Hogan attributes much of his success to the support he received from those around him. In an interview with ABC’s Good Morning America, he expressed gratitude to the staff at Covenant House and his high school for their unwavering support. “I had people who helped me get through it,” he said. “Without them, I wouldn’t be where I am now, as a valedictorian.”
Among those who played pivotal roles in his journey were Jana DeCoster, the director of student activities at Cohen High School, and Jarkayla Cobb, his case worker at Covenant House. Cobb recalled the significant transformation she witnessed in Hogan, who initially was very shy and reserved. “He spoke very little at first, so it’s incredible to see how much he has developed and become so well-spoken over the last seven or eight months,” she said. Continue reading about Elijah here.
