August Alumni Spotlight: Leul Cosentino (High Point High School)
When Leul Cosentino first arrived in the United States from Ethiopia, he faced the daunting task of navigating a new country and a new school system, all while feeling the pressure of making the most of a short time in U.S. high school. He attended High Point High School before transferring to and graduating from Montgomery Blair High School in 2017.
During those formative years, Leul joined Liberty’s Promise, eventually serving as the program president at High Point for a semester. This leadership role wasn’t just a title; it became an early turning point in how he saw himself and what he believed he could do next.
Leul describes Liberty’s Promise as a place that helped him grow his confidence and leadership skills, especially through the responsibility of serving as a student leader. It also helped him connect with other students who were new to the U.S., making it easier to adjust and feel less alone in the transition.
On the practical side, Liberty’s Promise supported him with key steps toward college: guidance during the application process and help securing recommendation letters. Those supports mattered because sometimes it’s not just talent that opens doors, but having someone show you how to walk through them.
When asked what he remembers most, Leul lights up about the simple joys—pizza, celebrations, and the sense of belonging. One of his favorite traditions was a group activity where students traced a handprint on a paper plate and wrote encouraging messages for one another.
He also remembers fun trips, like visiting the zoo, and meaningful service experiences, including making sandwiches for people in need. Those moments may sound small, but they’re often the moments students carry the longest: being seen, being encouraged, and feeling part of something good.
After high school, Leul pursued his long-time interest in aviation. He enrolled at the University of Maryland Eastern Shore to study aviation science with a pilot concentration, graduating in 2022.
From there, he kept building experience the way pilots do: hours, discipline, repetition, and steady progress. He stayed on as a pilot instructor for about a year and half teaching while sharpening his own skills—then launched into commercial aviation with Republic Airways as a First Officer. In December 2025, Leul reached a major milestone: he was promoted to Captain.
Leul’s message to current Liberty’s Promise students is straightforward and powerful:
Say yes to opportunities.
Ask questions.
Use every resource available.
Don’t be afraid to try something new.
Because you never know which workshop, connection, or encouragement might be the thing that leads you toward your future career.
Leul’s story is proof that starting over doesn’t mean starting from zero. With the right support system, leadership opportunities, and persistence, students can turn a challenging transition into a launching pad.
From arriving in a new country to earning his place in the cockpit, Leul Cosentino’s journey is exactly what an alumni spotlight should do: remind us of what’s possible.
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