Ellen: Detroit School Choir Update
Earlier this year, Ellen saw a video of a Detroit School Choir singing Pharrell Williams’ “Happy” and she decided to surprise them. Many of the students are poor or homeless, so it was a really big surprise for the kids. Their choir director Angela Kee said that she was about to pass out when she saw Ellen. “I will remember that moment for the rest of my life,” she said.
Ellen surprised teacher Angela Kee with a video from her students and a check for $50,000. Plus, an update on the Detroit School Choir Ellen spoke to earlier in the year. (Helga Esteb / Shutterstock.com)
Angela Kee said Ellen had a huge impact on all of their lives. These children deal with lots of problems outside of the classroom, including homelessness and poverty. She said that Ellen has given them a feeling of importance they didn’t have before. Ellen also gave the choir $50,000. Angela Kee said that she never got a chance to thank Ellen, but what she did made her students dreams come true.
Ellen: Angela Kee Teaching
Angela Kee was actually in Ellen’s audience and Ellen called her down to join her on the chairs. Ellen said it was great to meet her in person. Angela Kee said she hadn’t had a vacation in fifteen years. Weirdly, Ellen ran into Angela Kee before the show while she was riding her bike. Ellen asked Angela Kee why she decided to teach.
Angela said that she started as a job coach and she kept running into women who were giving up premium job leads. It turns out they were comfortable with being on welfare, because their moms and their grandmothers were on welfare. “It was a cycle that had to be broken. So I said I have to get into the teaching system so I can get these girls when they’re young, so I can help break that cycle,” she said.
Ellen: Angela Kee Big Surprise
Ellen said it was incredible that Angela Kee recognized that problem and actually changed her life to address the problem. So Ellen wanted to recognize Angela Kee with a big surprise. She showed a video of Angela Kee’s students talking about how much they loved her and how much she’s influenced their lives. One girl said that for one hour, when she’s in Angela Kee’s class, she forgets about the rest of the world and it’s an incredible feeling.
In addition, Ellen gave Angela Kee $50,000 for her great service and because teachers don’t make what they deserve. Every one of the people in the video came out to deliver the money and Angela Kee couldn’t believe it.
Ellen also said that Angela Kee’s car breaks down all the time and she has to take the bus. She also works 20 extra hours a week to help the kids. Ellen said she deserved the money and more.
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