On Monday, many first-generation Bedford–Stuyvesant seniors celebrated their college acceptance.

About 80% of Uncommon Collegiate Charter School students are first generation. Many students had to overcome obstacles such as losing a parent or learning English as a second language. Some students say college wasn't even on their radar until they attended the charter school. But their hard work of taking AP exams and participating in extracurricular activities has paid off.

A drum-line packed the auditorium to announce the students. Parents, siblings and classmates filled the room to watch the seniors name their college choice.

The principal says that the celebration is over-the-top for a good reason. She says that city students don't get to experience opportunities for college every day, so it is important that it is a huge event for them. She hopes the celebration will send a message to the students that their academic success is important to the community.

Students will wrap up their studies at Uncommon Collegiate Charter School before preparing to pack - since a good portion of them are headed away to college.