Ellen DeGeneres, in admiration of the Mississippi teen challenging her high school’s prom cancellation, offers the girl a big surprise.

Teenager Constance McMillen recruited support from the ACLU to sue her high school. After asking to bring another girl with her to the school’s prom and wear a tuxedo, McMillen’s school officials refused to allow this and cancelled the dance.

Hearing this, Ellen DeGeneres welcomed McMillen as a guest to the show.

“I admire you so much,” DeGeneres said during her talk show. “When I was your age I never would have had the strength to do what you are doing.”

In support of McMillen’s strengths and efforts, DeGeneres handed her an oversized $30,000 check from Tonic.com.

Both Tonic.com and an openly lesbian chef Cat Cora have previously announced their commitment to aid the Mississippi Safe School’s Coalition. This organization plans to hold a second-chance prom for students including gays and lesbians.

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