who delivered the commencement address. >> i got a surprise. i got a surprise. [ cheers ] >> it was a surprise one on one with the president, seniors at booker t. washington cheering, some overcome with emotion. the school beat out the rest of the nation winning the president's race to the top competition. >> you inspire me. that's why i'm here. i could not be prouder of what you do. >> reporter: and what a turnaround it has been. ♪ >> reporter: in just four years the school's graduation rate has jumped from 55% to 82% in a community with a zip code that is the poorest in memphis and where the median income is less than $11,000. christopher dean is a graduating senior who plans on studying psychology at the university of memphis. >> they always encourage me and