FITCHBURG, Mass. (WBZ NewsRadio) — A Fitchburg High School graduate has volunteered to give up her $40,000 scholarship to someone in more financial need.
Verda Tetteh, who is bound for Harvard University according to the Globe, asked the district to give away the money during a thank-you speech at her graduation on Friday.
"I am so very grateful for this, but I also know that I am not the one who needs this the most...." she said.
Tetteh asked the school administration to give the General Excellence Scholarship to a student going to community college. She said her mother's community college experience influenced her decision to give the money up.
The crowd of family and classmates gave Tetteh a standing ovation. Principal Jeremy Roche said he was proud of Tetteh for what he called her "selfless act."
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Written by Chaiel Schaffel
(Photo: Getty Images)