Even before the movie was such a big hit, we asked (Focus Features) for memorabilia. Next thing we knew we had the icon. We had no idea it would raise $100,000. Not in our wildest dreams.

He's amazingly tenacious, very driven, and he has a vision. He has the focus needed to get things done.

We began this race way back in late March, and no one had thought we'd be the focus of the national media or be the so-called first test of the Republican Party and the Bush mandate. Well, ladies and gentlemen, we passed that test.

We began this race way back in late March, and no one had thought we'd be the focus of the national media or be the so-called first test of the Republican Party and the Bush mandate. Well, ladies and gentleman, we passed that test.

We're talking about students who may not have even envisioned themselves as college-bound learners. One of the things we try to accomplish is to give them this validation -- that college is a real possibility. It's not going to happen by chance; you need to work very hard, but it will happen.

With all the nominations, we knew it would be big, but we didn't know it would be this big. This is the best thing that could happen for the kids.