The past school year, a student named Corey Patrick had to wake up at 4:00 every school day so that he could catch the local bus to get to Tarrant High School in Alabama. Patrick’s family relocated just prior to his senior year to 10 miles away from his school, and he didn’t want to transfer. It meant that he had to take at least one and a half hours of public transport to make it to his school on time. But the goodwill of people made it possible for Patrick to get a brand new car.
One of the bus drivers on Patrick’s route noticed how he would take the early trip to make it to his school. The driver even took pictures of Patrick running to make it to his own graduation.
“You tell me this isn’t determination. He got on my bus to go to his Graduation no one was with him I pick him in Elyton projects drop him at the at the crossplex in 5 points sometimes it’s all in what you want out of life he didn’t have on the best but he was the best in my eyes I was so proud of this black young man.” said the driver.
The photos of Patrick were posted on social media, where it quickly went viral. The post has had over 43,000 shares and caught the attention of radio host Rickey Smiley. Smiley, with the help of a few celebrity friends, got together, and bought Corey a brand new car. This was in recognition for the teenager’s resolve and perseverance. Aside from the car, Patrick will also get a full scholarship to Jackson University thanks to a GoFundMe page.