Anderson Cooper surprises Indy teen with car

INDIANAPOLIS (WISH) - On Wednesday, 600 students walked into their school gymnasium to find out they had been awarded $100,000.

Shortridge Magnet High School, which is part of the Indianapolis Public School System, will be able to use the money in any number of ways, but school principal Stan Law says he will be studying just how best to use the cash.

The announcement was made by way of the Anderson Cooper Show, which airs on WISH-TV at 4 p.m.

PHOTOS | Click here for photos from the surprise.

State Farm representative Andre Cole presented the check. He said Shortridge was selected because of need and the programs it offers students. Fourteen other schools around the country have received similar $100,000 scholarships from State Farm.

It’s part of its "Celebrate My Drive," campaign to encourage young people to drive carefully.

One Shortridge student, John Paul Davis, was selected as an outstanding representative.

He was flown to New York to be on the syndicated talk show with Anderson Cooper.
Davis, who has lost both of his parents, is considered a role model at Shortridge because of his leadership abilities.

Shortridge Principal Stan Law says JP, as he's known, is quiet but resolved.

"If you look at John Paul, you would never know the things he's had to endure in his life. He's kind of a quiet leader, doesn't do a lot of talking, but he has this resolve about himself."

For his leadership, Davis was given a Chevrolet Sonic, which was rolled out onto the Anderson Cooper set, while he looked on.

Wednesday's event took on a celebratory tone. The school's Pep Band performed, students played trivia with 24-Hour News 8's Debby Knox, and listened intently when the announcement was made by way of a massive TV screen set up in the gym.

Shortridge Magnet High School is a one of a kind facility in Indiana that prepares students not just for careers in law and public policy, but also teaches students the importance of being socially active in these areas. Students at Shortridge take Latin, Chinese or Spanish, Speech and Debate and take college level courses at Butler University for college credit.