The Celebrities that Attended Public Schools
“Raising Excellence” LinkedIn Newsletter Issue Sept 25, 2025
Public schools across the country have shaped some of the world’s most influential figures. Oprah Winfrey, Steve Jobs, Jennifer Aniston, Warren Buffett, Jeff Bezos, and Ruth Bader Ginsburg all count themselves among public school graduates. Actor Tom Hanks has even described his experience as formative, saying, “That place made me what I am today.”
Lin-Manuel Miranda traces his creative life to public-school arts programs: “The impact of arts education on my career is complete, total—and it saved my life,” he said. He’s also noted that “having the gift of a public school education that had money for the arts is a big reason why those dreams were possible.”
Actress Viola Davis credits public educators and enrichment programs with changing her trajectory: “I had teachers in my public school system that were fantastic,” she said, adding that “The Upward Bound program … saved my life.” Their stories point to a simple truth: when public schools are strong, they unlock futures.
Here in Virginia, we’ve run across several schools with very notable alumni, including:
Pharrell Williams, Princess Anne High School, Virginia Beach, VA, Musician, producer, and entrepreneur known for hits like "Happy" and his work with N.E.R.D.
Danny McBride, Courtland High School, Spotsylvania County, VA, Actor, comedian, and writer known for his roles in "Eastbound & Down" and "Vice Principals."
Mark Ruffalo, First Colonial High School, Virginia Beach, VA, Actor famous for playing the Hulk in the Marvel Cinematic Universe and known for his activism.
Constance Wu, Freeman High School, Richmond, VA, Actress celebrated for her roles in "Crazy Rich Asians" and "Fresh Off the Boat."
Jason George, Kempsville High School, Virginia Beach, VA, Actor known for his work on TV series like "Grey’s Anatomy" and "Station 19."
Blair Underwood, Petersburg High School, Petersburg, VA, Actor and director known for roles in "L.A. Law" and "Quantico."
Connie Britton, E.C. Glass High School, Lynchburg, VA, Actress known for her roles in "Nashville," "Friday Night Lights," and "9-1-1."
Katie Couric, Yorktown High School, Arlington, VA, Journalist and television personality best known for her work on NBC’s "Today" and CBS Evening News.
Many of these individuals take pride in their public school roots and look for ways to give back to their communities. While private schools have long benefited from the generosity of famous alumni, public schools are now beginning to tap into this potential, creating opportunities for lasting impact in education.
Establishing endowment funds allows public schools to connect with their alumni and build sustainable support for students and programs. These funds can provide resources for generations to come, from scholarships to innovative programs that enhance the educational experience.
Imagine the possibilities when schools engage their alumni network. The achievements of former students can help create meaningful and lasting opportunities for the next generation.
To learn more or schedule a conversation, reach out to us at mbor@endowmentproject.com.
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