In a heartwarming episode of The Ellen DeGeneres Show, viewers experienced a profoundly moving moment for a group of high school seniors from Brooklyn. In collaboration with Walmart, the beloved talk show host delivered an astonishing surprise to 41 students who were completely unaware.
On the February 9th episode, Ellen welcomed Natasha Jenkins, the founder of Summit Academy Charter School, and Principal Mark Taylor. The educators received $25,000 from Walmart to support their school’s initiatives. However, Ellen had even more in store.
Thanks to Walmart’s generosity, the retail giant pledged to cover the college tuition for the entire graduating class of 2017. After sharing the inspirational journey of Jenkins and Taylor, the stage was set for Ellen to reveal the life-changing news to the students.
During their initial appearance, Jenkins and Taylor highlighted the challenges faced by the Red Hook community, where the Summit school is located. This area is among the most underserved in New York City, with only 4% of adults holding a college degree and 28% of children under 16 living in poverty. Despite these statistics, the previous year’s senior class achieved an impressive 93% college attendance rate. This year, the goal was to reach 100%—and thanks to Ellen and Walmart, that dream became a reality.
Before breaking the news, Ellen took the time to sit with three seniors and listened to their inspiring stories about their dedication and what attending Summit means to them. It was evident that this school fosters incredible aspirations, and the prospect of a college education now seemed much more attainable.
Upon announcing the scholarships, which cover four years at any New York state university, the students erupted in joy, screams, and even tears. One student exclaimed, “Thank you so much, Ellen!” The emotional atmosphere was palpable, as Ellen herself was moved to tears while delivering the exciting update, reminding everyone to “Be kind to one another.”
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In summary, the episode showcased a remarkable act of generosity that changed the lives of 41 students, allowing them to pursue their college dreams without the burden of financial stress, all thanks to Ellen and Walmart’s incredible support.