Enterprise High School's Hunter Mollett poses receives a $2,500 scholarship from Meridian Community College Vice President of Operations Barbara Jones May 25 at the annual Golden Apple Award banquet at MCC. Golden Apple Teacher of the Year Jacqueline Lewis, as part of her teacher of the year prize, designated Mollett as the recipient of the Golden Apple scholarship. Mollett is scheduled to begin classes at Harvard University in the fall.

ENTERPRISE, Miss. — Having overcome homelessness, receiving his high school diploma and earning a scholarship to Harvard University, Hunter Mollett is continuing to receive lessons in the kindness and generosity of others.

Since the story about his acceptance into one of the most prestigious universities in the world broke last month and sparked national interest, Mollett said, he has been overwhelmed with generosity.

“I find it really awesome there are so many generous people out there,” he said. “I had one lady call me whose husband is in hospice care and she wanted to send me money for a bike to ride on campus. I think it’s so amazing she thought of me during her difficult time.”

Mollett said he has received close to $4,000 and numerous offers of people wanting to help him in various ways — along with a call from the Today Show for an interview for their web page and the Boston Globe wanting to interview him once he gets to Cambridge, Massachusetts, and Harvard.

Jacqueline Lewis, Mollett’s high school algebra teacher, said the school appreciates the generosity from the people who have helped him, financially and otherwise.

“We are trying to make sure he understands the importance of budgeting once he leaves to go to Harvard,” she said. “We told him this generosity is a one-time thing and going forward he will have to budget, and be ready year after year for all the expenses that will pop up.”

Having been abandoned by his parents by his junior year of high school, Mollett has lived like a nomad, moving between caring faculty members, extended family and friends. He once lived in a student’s backyard in a camper, even on park benches, and a homeless shelter. Mollett has come a long way from being homeless to achieving his lifelong dream of going to Harvard — something of which Lewis said she is very proud.

“Hunter is such a smart independent young man, and I think he will do great once he gets there,” Lewis said. “I think he will be a very dedicated student and will make outstanding grades. I believe what will happen in the future — he will finish his biomedical engineering degree, apply to medical school, and will be accepted. I think all those dreams will come true and I have no doubt he will be successful.”

Mollett said even though he will miss his close friends and teachers, he is looking forward to his new home with nice hardwood floors and fireplaces.

“Sometimes I can’t believe it’s really happening,” he said. “When I realize my dream is coming true it makes my heart beat a little faster — but it’s a good feeling.”

Owens writes for the Meridian, Mississippi Star.