SUMMERVILLE, SC (WCBD) – Ellen DeGeneres surprised two South Carolina teenagers with full-ride scholarships to the College of Charleston during an appearance on her popular talk show.
Darius Smith and Jaheim President, who are seniors at Ashley Ridge High School, were on their first-ever trip to Los Angeles when they were surprised with an appearance on the show.
When Ellen asked what they wanted to do after graduating high school, the pair said they wanted to become educators because they were inspired by their teachers and wanted to give back to the youth community.
Darius said he had been accepted to the College of Charleston. “I will be the first generation out of my entire family,” he said. But Jaheim was still waiting to hear about his college acceptance.
“I’ve been stressing out for the last five months, but I believe in positive energy, so College of Charleston if you are watching…,” he said.
At that point, Ellen pulled out a white envelope and said: “We may have told them to slow the process down. We may have said we would like to let him know.” She then revealed his acceptance letter to The College.
The talk show host also said The College heard about both of the students and wanted to cover their college tuition for all four years.
Ellen and Cheerios also presented both teens with a check for $20,000 and another to Ashley Ridge High School for $10,000.
You can watch the full video below or by clicking here.
