Doing something that no one has done before is a task with no blueprint. Although Kellin McGowan did have somewhat of a guide on his quest to become the first African-American valedictorian in the history of St. Thomas High School, his rich family legacy of achievements was all he needed.

After receiving an arousing round of applause at his commencement exercises, McGowan offered a stirring speech to his fellow classmates. According to the St. Thomas website, McGowan challenged his classmates “to live lives as authentic individuals because doing so will enable us to achieve true happiness. Obviously, this does not mean that we are to bury our friendships and live by ourselves; rather, this means that we are to build upon the moral foundation established at St. Thomas and use it to navigate the world and to develop our future friendships.”

“As we have done during these past four years, we must associate with those who have our best interests at heart and those with whom we will form fulfilling lifelong relationships. Some of us will be going east. Others will be going to the west. Regardless of how far apart we are, we will always be united by the bond that exists between us all.”

In his closing remarks, McGowan envisioned “of where the class of 2019 will be in 10 years … I think of men in an emergency room saving lives as doctors. I think of men working for major news organizations as journalists. And I think of men guiding their children along the sidewalk as fathers … Whether the road you’re on leads you to the Oval Office or to a small business, always remember where you came from, sit down, be humble, and complete every task ethically, thoroughly and honestly.”

As one can image, he has a number of awards and scholarships under his belt. They include National Merit Corporate Scholarship, a Phi Beta Kappa Scholarship, the Mitchell-Beall-Rosen Memorial Scholarship and the St. Thomas Rev. Albert R. Gaelens, CSB Goodness, Discipline and Knowledge Award.

The Eagle scholar will matriculate at the University of Chicago and plans to further his education in law school.