If you watch my show, you know I love two things, cat videos,
and helping deserving schools.
And today, I want to tell you about something amazing
that Verizon is doing.
Their Innovative Learning program
is bringing internet access, free technology,
and training to millions of students across the country.
I learned about a school that they're helping in East Harlem.
And I wanted to do a little bit more.
But first, take a look at them.
My school day starts relatively early.
I usually get to the school about 4:15 AM,
and will not leave until the work gets done.
And it could be until 6:00, 7:00, 8:00 o'clock at night.
My name is Dimitrius Pantalitus.
I've been the principal Patrick Henry
Prep for the last 18 years.
Patrick Henry Prep is located in East Harlem.
And this is not the easiest community to live in.
Some of our students are raised in single homes.
There are some that are raised by grandparents.
Some of our students also live in shelters.
Good morning Cameron, good morning.
But when they do come to our school,
they feel that warmth, that love, not just from myself,
but also my entire staff.
I worry about the kids a lot, sometimes.
One time, there was a student whose mother called me,
and she said, Miss Hubbard--
I'm sorry-- she said, can you please go see my son.
Because he was in a mental institution.
He was a former student.
I just couldn't believe--
because he didn't think anybody cared about him.
I don't think that students should
have to be a product of their environment.
I tell them that all the time.
And you don't have to think, just because you grew up
in Harlem, and you have nothing, that you are nothing.
I've only been here a few weeks.
And I think I've already learned more than at my old school.
Because the curriculum is very challenging.
My biggest hope is for them to succeed.
And just letting them know that, you know,
there's a huge world out there.
And it's yours.
If you want it, it's yours.
So right now, everyone is in the school's gym with Genie.
They think that they're filming a video for Ellen, too.
But of course, that is not true.
I am going to surprise them.
But let's listen in for a second,
and see what's happening.
Boys and girls I big fans you all are Ellen, right?
Amber, come here.
If you could say something to Ellen, if you ever
had that chance one day, to say something Ellen,
what you want to say?
For starters, we love you, Ellen!
Oh, my gosh!
We love you so much!
You're so inspirational!
You're so considerate!
You're so generous!
And you are such a hero to us!
We love!
Oh, my gosh, I love it!
Well, boys and girls, I want you to do me a favor.
Take a look at the screen right there.
Hi, Amber!
Hi, everybody!
Hi!
[CHEERING]
Hello!
Hi!
That was so sweet.
Amber, I heard what you said.
And that's very sweet.
I appreciate it.
I'm filming.
I'm not there.
Genie's there.
But I'm filming my show right now,
which means that you're all on the show right now.
Say hello to the audience, everybody.
[CHEERING]
All right, so we just learned about your school.
I think you're all amazing.
Mr. P, you get to school every morning at 4:00 AM.
Tell me, why 4:00 AM?
I love what I do, Ellen.
I can tell you, we are a family.
These are not our students.
These are our kids.
It is amazing.
We love what we definitely do in our school.
Well, you guys are in your third year of the Verizon program.
Tell everyone how it's changed things for you.
OK, so before the Verizon program, we had no technology.
But when it came into our school,
I mean, the students test scores in regards to reading,
they skyrocketed through the roof.
We are the top 10% in the state of New York, which is very big.
And not only that, our eighth graders,
they're accepted into the best, the best
high schools in New York City.
And we're so proud of them, and so, so thankful for Verizon
for giving us that program.
That is fantastic.
That's incredible.
So I heard your school was nominated
for something special.
What was this?
We are being recognized-- we are so excited--
we are being recognized for America's Best Urban Schools
Award.
The wonderful thing is, we had auditors
come in from San Diego, and look at our school,
and look at our systems, our protocols, and interview
parents, and teachers alike.
And Ellen, we are going to be recognized
in San Diego for our outstanding work next week.
We're ecstatic about this.
That's so great.
So Jeneena, I know Mr. P has really high expectations
for everyone, right?
Yes.
Oh, he has very high expectations.
Don't let his good Greek looks fool you, because this man,
who is around 6 foot 4, he walks into the middle
of the projects-- in East Harlem, mind you--
knocking on doors, asking, where are my students, when
they don't show up for school.
So that shows dedication. 'Cause not most people would do that.
Good for you.
Well, all right, who's the one sitting down?
He can't stand anymore.
There's somebody sitting down that said
I got tired of standing.
Say, hi, Ellen.
Hi, Ellen!
All right, that's all.
All right, so here's the thing.
Verizon has loved helping your school.
And they want to continue to support you.
So Verizon is giving your school an innovative learning
lab that will feature new technology
like virtual reality, robotics, and 3D printing.
And I have one more thing a little later in the show.
Amber, tell me what this school means to you
and the rest of the students.
So, when I first came into this school,
I had come from a not-so-good elementary school.
But when Mr. P accepted me, I found it as another opportunity
to start fresh, to learn new things I never
thought I would learn.
I expanded on my vocal skills.
I learned a new instrument, I thought
I could never experience.
I learned the guitar!
And I grew academically so well.
I found love in a subject I thought I would never find love
in, which was math.
I love math so much.
And I thank I Mr. P--
this is like my second home.
And I thank Mr. P so much for the opportunity.
Oh, Amber, that's so sweet!
Well, you're all very, very fortunate.
You're really, really lucky to have
a school like that to go to, and to have Mr. P, someone
who cares so much about you.
I love your school.
I sent something to you.
Genie, do you have what I sent?
Yes.
Yes, I do.
Diego, come here.
Hold on tight to there, to that top.
And then hold on to that.
OK, here we go, Ellen.
I'm going to give your school $50,000.
[CHEERING]