Watch RHS Grad Nikki Bollerman on The Ellen DeGeneres Show Today

Twenty-six year old Nikki Bollerman, a Ridgefield High School grad, is a third grade teacher in Dorchester, Massachusetts. She recently made a wish for her third grade students. It came true.

Bollerman won $150,000 in the Capital One #WishForOthers online contest, and donated her entire winnings to her students. Bollerman gave them the gift of reading. 

During the past few months, nearly one million people from around the country have watched this Capital One video which features Bollerman presenting an endearing gift to her UP Academy students (get out your tissues).

“My wish for others was that my third graders all take a book home over winter break. I wanted them to have books of their own that they could take care of and share with their families. It made them feel really important and they are really, really important kids,” Bollerman says in the video.

UP Academy wrote this on their school website: This heartfelt story encapsulates both the spirit of giving and the dedication and passion our staff have for our students at all of our UP Academies.

Nikki Bollerman has not only captured the attention major media outlets like ABC, but she has warmed the heart of TV star Ellen DeGeneres.

Tune into the Ellen DeGeneres Show tomorrow, January 19, at 4:00 pm to catch a glimpse of Nikki and hear her inspiring story.  

Ridgefield is proud of you Nikki!