Harvard-Bound Grad Turns Down $40K To Help Other Students

FITCHBURG, MA — A graduating senior who already earned a full ride to Harvard University got a standing ovation at the Fitchburg High School, Massachusetts, graduation ceremony, but it wasn’t only her academic excellence that was cheered by her classmates and their families. It was her sudden act of good will, too.

Verda Tettah was at the podium during her June 4 graduation when she told the crowd she would turn down $40,000 in additional scholarship money offered to her by the high school, so the money could go to other students who need it more, according to reports from WUSA, The Boston Globe and others. The school had offered the straight-A student $10,000 for each of her four years in college to help pay for books, computers and living expenses, WUSA reported.

“It is such a great honor, but I also know that I am not the most in need of it,” Verda said during her graduation speech, suggesting that it be given to students who could use it toward their community college expenses.

Verda, who plans to study chemistry at Harvard, said her mother is among those who inspired the thoughtful act.

“Knowing my mom went to community college, and how much that was helpful, I would be so very grateful if the administration would consider giving the scholarship to someone who is going to community college,” she said during her speech.

Fitchburg High School officials haven’t figured out exactly how the $40,000 will be used after Verda’s refusal, but it could be split among multiple students, according to The Globe.