2 top students at this Atlanta school were homeless -- and they still got scholarships

ATLANTA — Some high school seniors are getting honored for their hard work with help for college -- but there's a heartwrenching twist to the story:

Two top students at Maynard Jackson High School have both been homeless at one point, according to the principal.

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• Homeless student named valedictorian

Valedictorian Rebecca Schmitt and Jakobi Horn have been just two of the nearly 1,800 homeless students in metro Atlanta.

"With all the support that we have from our environment, our community, despite the financial hardship you're able to thrive if you really put your mind to it," Schmitt said.

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Schmitt said she was accepted into some of the top universities in the country.

"Spelman College, Georgia Tech, Washington University in St. Louis, Northwestern University and Duke University," Schmitt said.

The school system, along with Kroger’s Glenwood location, presented the students with scholarships and gift cards at the STAR students and Teachers Awards Ceremony at the Georgia Power Auditorium.

These students were selected at the end of the first semester of their senior year.

The Student Teacher Achievement Recognition (STAR) program honors Georgia’s outstanding high school seniors and the teachers who have been most instrumental in their academic development.

Schmitt, as valedictorian, received a $1,000 scholarship and a $250 Kroger gift card. Horn also received a $500 scholarship and $100 Kroger gift card.

Cox Media Group