First cousins make history as valedictorian and salutatorian

Two Landry-Walker High School seniors made history in New Orleans, becoming the first male students and first cousins to graduate from the school as the valedictorian and salutatorian on June 12, 2020.

Keisean Garnier and Shane Sterling, also known as best friends, have been inseparable since birth and throughout their school career, and they do not plan to separate anytime soon. The cousins will be recognized as the first male students to be honored as Landry-Walker’s valedictorian and salutatorian since the establishment of Lord Beaconsfield Landry-Oliver Perry Walker High School in 2013.

“Kiesean and Shane’s story is a great representation of the vision we plan to achieve within our organization and that includes setting the tone for all of our students to reach higher heights, break barriers and lead with excellence so that others will follow,” said Algiers Charter CEO Tale’ Lockett. “We’re so proud of their achievements at Landry-Walker High School, and we know they have a bright future ahead.”

“Being cousins and the top two of our class is an honor because of the rarity of the feat,” said Salutatorian Shane Sterling. “We never thought that we would make history in the Landry-Walker books, but I’m glad that we could set the foundation for more young men to graduate at the top of their class. I’m fortunate for this milestone and very thankful to God for guiding us through our high school journey.”

Both students have been with Algiers Charter since kindergarten, attending Martin Behrman Charter School throughout their elementary and junior high school years. They both started attending Landry-Walker High School in their 10th-grade year and will be attending LSU in the Fall.

“Shane and I have common interests in a lot of things since our moms are sisters,” said valedictorian Keisean Garnier. “Although we’re not competitive, we definitely push each other to succeed in school and certain activities.”

In addition to ranking number one and two in their class, both students served as student-athletes on Landry-Walker’s cross country, track and field, and soccer teams. They are both members of the National Society of High School Scholars.