The Million Dollar Scholar From Southside Chicago

When Derrius Quarles was four years old, his father was murdered. The following year, he was taken away from his mother's custody. Growing up in the Illinois foster care system for nine years and in the south side of Chicago, higher education seemed far out of reach for Derrius, and the challenges of inner-city life almost led him down a path of crime and fast money. Everything changed one morning in high school when a caring biology teacher spoke to Derrius about his potential -- and the fact that he was wasting it. Her words sounded like a wake-up call that catalyzed Derrius to be awarded with over $1,000,000 in academic scholarships. Having completed university, Derrius now serves other young people to pursue higher education and attain their full, flourishing potential. This article shares Derrius' incredible journey and the work of his organization, "Million Dollar Scholar."

 http://www.dailygood.org/story/637/the-million-dollar-scholar-from-southside-chicago-rich-polt/