Senior Spotlight: Benedictol Janvier
Posted on September 30, 2024
Benedictol was born in the Democratic Republic of Congo and spent 16 years in a Ugandan refugee camp where he learned to navigate immense challenges with grace and determination.
Two years ago, Benedictol arrived in Covington, Kentucky, through the Kentucky Refugee Ministry and enrolled at Holmes High School. Despite the cultural and academic adjustments, Benedictol quickly distinguished himself as a dedicated and high-achieving student. Today, he is ranked 4th in his senior class and is taking four dual-credit college classes through Northern Kentucky University and Gateway Community and Technical College.
Benedictol’s leadership extends beyond academics. He is a committed member of the Holmes High School soccer team, and his participation in the STEAM Bike Club, Dance Club, and Mixed Martial Arts Club demonstrates his diverse interests and commitment to personal growth. Additionally, Benedictol has been actively involved in the Covington Partners Mentoring Program for two years, not only benefiting from the support of his mentor, but also giving back by becoming a peer mentor to younger students. His ability to connect with and support his peers is a testament to his empathy and leadership.
In addition to his school activities, Benedictol works two part-time jobs, balancing his academic responsibilities with his strong work ethic. Despite his busy schedule, he still finds time to volunteer as a Bulldog Ambassador, where he represents Holmes High School with pride. He also sings at his church and assists new students from Rwanda and Burundi with language interpretation, homework, and the challenging transition to life in the United States. His dedication to helping others, particularly those who share similar experiences as refugees, is truly inspiring.
“Benedictol embodies the qualities that our organization seeks to recognize: leadership, resilience, academic success, and a commitment to making a difference in the lives of others. He has overcome significant challenges to become a role model and a beacon of hope for his peers and community,” says Kate Andriacco, mentoring coordinator at Holmes High School.
Upon graduation, Benedictol plans to attend college and study medicine and business.