LANSING, Mich. (WLNS) – As parents buy flowers for their graduates, Everett high school seniors are ready to get their diplomas.
“I’m really proud to be an Everett Viking, really proud to be graduating with my class, and it’s a really exciting day,” graduating senior Tina Nguyen said.
For senior Tina Nguyen, it’s extra special, because her diploma comes with the promise of a brighter future.
“Thanks to this scholarship it just helps us be able to study more and you know, just take general classes and get that college experience,” Nguyen said.
Tina is attending Lansing Community College next year, where she and many other students are able to get that college experience.
In April, a fundraiser was held to support the scholarship fund, bringing out former MSU basketball star Magic Johnson.
“This is for the kids. We’ve done our jobs. Thank you all for coming out,” Johnson said.
David Leek is a first generation college student, and he is able to pay for Lansing Community College next year because of the funds.
“I don’t have to think about the future to much in money wise, just focusing on getting my degree,” Leek said.
Nguyen says the community support means a lot.
“There are people who actually care about students in the inner city and would go out of their way to help us,” Nguyen said.
“We are so grateful for your support, families, parents, community members,” Lansing School District Superintendent Yvonne Caamal Canul said.
The promise is just another reason Superintendent Yvonne Caamal Canul is excited today.
“This is really an incredible opportunity for our kids to be able to graduate and go to college with a scholarship,” Caamal Canul said.
One student graduating has a full ride to Olivet College, and many others have “scholarships going to LCC and MSU,” Caamal Canul said. “The promise is just like it is, a promise at the end of the line.”
“It’s not just about the image of celebrities giving back to us,” Nguyen said. “It’s more of what we can give back to the community.”
