Uniondale HS students inspired to follow dreams following alum's big Emmy win

A Uniondale High School alum made some big noise at the Emmy Awards on Monday.

News 12 Staff

Sep 13, 2022, 10:34 PM

Updated 834 days ago

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A Uniondale High School alum made some big noise at the Emmy Awards on Monday.
Sheryl Lee Ralph won best supporting actress in a comedy series for her role on "Abbott Elementary." She then gave a speech that earned her a standing ovation from the crowd.
"To anyone who has ever had a dream and thought your dream couldn't come true, this is what believing looks like," Ralph said during her speech.
Her singing and acting career started on Long Island.
Members of the Uniondale High School show choir tell News 12 Ralph's win and speech has inspired them.
Senior Abigail Wyatt has dreams of being a singer and a teacher. She says Ralph's success gives her hope.
"It helped me to realize whatever dream I want accomplish, whether it's in music or in teaching or whatever I want to be, that I can do it and I can't give up, I have to continue and keep fighting and striving for what I want," Wyatt says.
Ralph graduated from Uniondale High School in 1972, starring in the production of "Oklahoma," before becoming a success in television, in film and on Broadway.
She is also known for her work on Broadway, earning a Tony Award nomination in 1981 for her lead role in the original production of "Dreamgirls." Before starring in "Abbott Elementary," she was also on the TV show "Moesha."
Ralph's win marked just the second time a Black woman won the Emmy for supporting actress in a comedy series.