The beloved Maya Angelou once said, “When you do good, people notice.” That’s exactly what has happened in the lives of a 2018 high school graduate and a Tarrant, Alabama bus driver over the past few days. Now things have just gotten turned up a notch, after Tyrese, Da Brat and Rickey Smiley stepped in.

Why Everyone’s Proud Of This Teen

https://www.facebook.com/djuana.beasley1/posts/1990174531055553:0

In case you haven’t heard, Corey Patrick, a 2018 Tarrant high school graduate, has become a viral sensation who’s bringing happy tears to many…simply for his hard work and dedication. On Monday, May 21st, bus driver, Djuana Beasley captured a photo of Corey Patrick in his cap and gown, as he was exiting her bus that morning. He touched her soul that day, because he was alone, yet beaming with pride as he walked the rest of the way to his high school graduation. The driver was so inspired by Corey’s determination to make it to his graduation by any means necessary, that she posted the above photo on social media.

Soon after posting the photo, it quickly went viral and thousands of people were moved by the level of drive Corey displayed.

After tens of thousands of shares and likes, WBRC News eventually caught up with the teen and his mother, Felicia White. Patrick told the station he rocked his cap and gown on the bus that morning, because he was incredibly proud to be graduating. “I was happy on that day,” said Corey.

His mother, Felicia, then explained why her son was on the bus for his graduation day. The family does not have a car, so they make do the best way they can. “I told Corey, well the best thing to do is just get on the bus and we will work from there,” said Corey’s mother.

Determined not to be late on his big day, Corey stated “I had to do what was necessary for me to walk this year.” His mother said that she and the rest of the family eventually found a ride and made it to the ceremony in time to see her baby walk across that stage.

Felicia White also told the news that the sheer will and determination the world has now gotten to witness in Corey’s viral photo, is a representation of who his is everyday. “Corey was getting up at 4:30 in the morning and had to be at the bus stop at 5:41 in the morning for the last year. Even when he would get out of school he couldn’t get from that side of town until 5:19 when the bus runs back over there. So he doesn’t make it back this way until about 6:30 or 7 o’clock,” said White.

What Rickey Smiley, Da Brat, & Tyrese Are Doing For Him

A few days later, comedian/radio personality, Rickey Smiley, posted a message on social media asking the public to help him locate Corey Patrick.

https://www.instagram.com/p/BjHts61HpLn/?hl=en&taken-by=realrickeysmiley

By the following day (Thursday, May 24th), it was soon determined why Smiley wanted Corey’s contact info. According to BET, Rickey Smiley, Da Brat, and Tyrese Gibson announced, on ‘The Ricky Smiley Morning Show,’ that they are each chippin’ in to purchase a car for Corey Patrick. Like my momma would say, ‘Look at GAWD!’

Props to Smiley, Da Brat, and Tyrese for their generosity. We also wanna give a handclap to bus driver, DJuana Beasley, for bringing this good energy to the forefront. And of course we wish Corey Patrick much success, sky’s the limit young brotha!