In a heartwarming episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, an entire class of high school seniors from Brooklyn received life-changing news that will make you reach for the tissues. Thanks to the collaboration between Ellen and Walmart, all 41 graduates from Summit Academy Charter School will attend college without the burden of tuition fees.
On the February 9 episode, Ellen welcomed Natasha Green, the school’s founder, and principal, Rachel Simmons, to discuss their students’ challenges and triumphs. During this emotional segment, Walmart generously gifted the school $25,000 to support its mission. But Ellen wanted to make an even bigger impact.
With the help of Walmart, the talk show host announced that each senior would receive scholarships covering their four-year education at any New York state university. This incredible surprise came after Ellen learned about the hardships faced by the Red Hook community, where the school is located. In a neighborhood where only 4% of adults have college degrees and 28% of children live in poverty, the stakes were high, but Summit Academy has been making strides, boasting a 93% college attendance rate for the previous year.
As Ellen spoke with three seniors about their dreams and the significance of their education, it became clear that these students are driven and determined. Their aspirations, once distant, are now within reach thanks to this wonderful gift. The moment Ellen broke the news was nothing short of magical; screams of joy, tears of gratitude, and exuberant cheers filled the room. One student exclaimed, “Thank you so much, Ellen!” as the reality of their scholarships sank in.
Ellen, too, was visibly moved, reminding everyone to “be kind to one another” amidst the celebration. This touching episode serves as a reminder of the power of community support and the importance of education.
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In summary, the episode highlighted a significant milestone for the seniors of Summit Academy, emphasizing the transformational role that education can play in underserved communities. With the support of Ellen and Walmart, these students are set to pursue their dreams of higher education.