High School Graduate Donates Her $40,000 Scholarship to Another Student who Needed It More.

High School Graduate Donates Her $40,000 Scholarship to Another Student who Needed It More.

July 27, 2021 by Cathy Stack

Fitchburg, Massachusetts — As the graduation ceremony’s class speaker, Verda Tetteh, a senior at Fitchburg High School, had just finished her speech and taken a seat when the school made an exciting announcement: Verda had been awarded Fitchburg High’s General Excellence Scholarship, valued at $40,000. She had a few moments to reflect as the ceremony continued. Ten minutes later, she knew what to do. She spontaneously returned to the podium and humbly apologized for interrupting. Then she made an announcement that shocked the crowd. She declined the scholarship and requested that the funds instead be awarded to a student who needed it more than she did.

“I am so very grateful for this, but I also know that I am not the one who needs this the most,” Verda said. 

Her generous gesture prompted the audience, made up of her fellow classmates, their families and faculty members, to give her a thunderous standing ovation.  Her mother, Rosemary, loudly cheered her daughter on from the audience. 

Verda is planning on going to Harvard University in the fall as a pre-med student. The straight-A honor student has already been awarded a full scholarship for her Ivy League college education.  However, she could have used her school’s substantial scholarship to help pay for additional expenses such as books, computers and living expenses. 

Verda knew, though, just how important a college scholarship is to a student whose family is financially struggling.  Her mother earned her bachelor’s degree from a local community college at age 47, while raising her four children and holding down two jobs to support her family.  Her mother’s determination to get an education despite her financial hardship inspired the young woman’s selfless decision.  She wants the funds to go to a student pursuing a community college degree, just as her mother once had. 

That day, Rosemary gleamed with pride in her daughter.  “Now I’m 100% sure she is ready to go into the world on her own,” she said.

Verda has a deep admiration for her mother, who brought the family to the United States from their native Ghana when Verda was a child.  Her mother always stressed to her daughter the importance of having an education.   Verda was taught that education was the pathway to better opportunities. She never forgot the valuable life lesson. 

The young woman expressed no regrets over her decision to give away the money.

“I’m excited to see who it helps and how that changes their life, so I am so happy that God gave me the strength to do that,” Verda said.

Principal Jeremy Roche had high praise for his student. “Verda is someone who is going to change the world,” he proudly said. 

PassItOn and Foundation For A Better Life believe that Verda Tetteh is a hero for helping a fellow student realize their own educational aspirations.   Her selfless act epitomizes the value of generosity.  She has shown us all what character, leadership and service to others looks like.  Please help us honor Verda by sharing her inspiring story. 

Watch video herehttps://youtu.be/M3Apd7uceBM

Sign Up to our PassItOn blog to be inspired:  http://www.passiton.com/passiton-blog

Please tell us about your everyday Hero. The Heroes among us are ordinary people whose actions leave a lasting and positive impact in their communities and demonstrate the potential in all of us. Their heroic acts uphold our shared values. Help honor these individuals by creating a billboard and sharing their story at:  https://www.passiton.com/your-billboards/create

SHARE this inspiring story with your friends and family to uplift their day.  

If you find these posts inspirational, consider favoriting Passiton on Facebook so you never miss out on our weekly posts.

Pass It On®

  email

Your Comments
ShRi from California  MAY 27, 2022
Thanks oh so much for the light you shine!!! I’m sure the recipient will never forget and will pass your legacy on. We need more of you!

Lynise L Tarring from Hilo, Hawai'i  MAY 27, 2022
Thank you Verda for being a treasured one to give. That gives us the hope we all need. God bless you with peace, happiness, and good health. You are a piece of JOY!

Cynthia from Wisconsin  MAY 26, 2022
What a wonderful woman!

Dorothy Vaughn JULY 31, 2021
What a generous and fantastic young lady!!!

Shelley from Stillwater, OK JULY 30, 2021
Another awesome teenager!!!

Vilma from Qatar JULY 29, 2021
Congrats Verda God bless ang your family

cindy s from illinois JULY 28, 2021
FANTASTIC!! How wonderful that was!!

Muffy from IL JULY 28, 2021
Omg selfless kindness I absolutely Love it You will be Blessed for this and whomever receives the scholarship will be grateful Thank You for Being Awesome. Congratulations on completing He and being accepted to Harvard keep on being You ❤️

Ngozi from Point Noire  JULY 28, 2021
I am thrilled by your generosity. Heaven shall supply your needs and desires in 100 folds

Lynise Tarring from Hilo, Hawai'i  JULY 27, 2021
Verday, you are a ray of sunshine filled with hope. Your sincerity is a blessing and to share it, is a treasure. God Bless you on your journey and keep that precious smile.

Mare McAnany from Philadelphia PA JULY 27, 2021
This loving young lady is an outstanding example to all of us. Remember her name - she is destined to become a true & solid leader as her future unfolds. How blessed our world is to know such deep caring of her fellow students immediately inspired her to 'Pass It On' to a student who would not otherwise had been able to continue their dream of a higher education. Your goodness humbles our Families, sweet Verda. Your Mom instilled in you so many traits that have somehow gone by the wayside at times, in this selfish world we find ourselves living in today. May the joy you share with others continue to come back to you, 100 fold. Congratulations doesn't even begin to cover my wishes for you.

V Yost from Florida  JULY 27, 2021
How generous & kind! You’re a truly good person. Be proud & thank you!!!


Here are some other inspiring posts you might like.
We use cookies or similar technologies to process data when you visit our site. This data may relate to your use of our site, your preferences, your device, or other information about you. We and third parties may use this information for a variety of purposes, such as enabling the sites to function, to personalize your experience when using our sites, and for analytical purposes. Read our privacy policy and terms of use for details. close

Reject All Accept All