Homeless Memphis Teen Named High School Valedictorian And Awarded $3 Million In College Scholarships
A Memphis high school student was named valedictorian of his class and earned $3 million worth of college scholarships, all while homeless.
During his senior year at Raleigh Egypt High School, 17-year-old Tupac Mosley’s family was evicted from their home after the death of his father, reported FOX 13.
“After my father passed, [my family] fell behind on bills and we ended up getting evicted from our home Feb. 21 of this year,” Mosley told FOX 13. “So, we went to different homes.”
Despite facing financial and personal hardship, Mosley was determined to continue working hard and make his dream of attending college a reality. Throughout the difficult situation, Mosley was accepted into 40 colleges and earned the scholarship money while maintaining a 4.3 GPA.
“When I heard that I got $3 million, I was more than elated and excited and astonished that it was that much,” Mosley told FOX13.
Mosley told ABC 7 that the director of nonprofit For the Kingdom, which helps urban youth “get away from city life but not from the city” through camps and workshops, gave his family a place to stay.
During his valedictorian speech at the Raleigh Egypt graduation ceremony, Mosley thanked For the Kingdom as well as his teachers and principal.
“I knew that I had to make them proud,” Mosley said “I knew that their investment was worth it that and just show them that, yes, everything that you poured into me was worth $3 million and counting.”
Mosley plans to attend Tennessee State University in the fall and pursue a degree in electrical engineering.
“Never let your current situation, whatever circumstances you’re going through, be a mountain that you can’t climb,” he said in his speech.
