Washington - who won Oscars for his performances in "Training Day" (2001) and "Glory" (1989) - says actors, rappers and basketball stars get more recognition, but someone in a hospital bed is more impressed by a good doctor. He says inner-city students might not be aware of all the opportunities available, and he urged the excited Mount Vernon kids to apply for his scholarships.
Last year, the 53-year-old Washington directed and starred in "The Great Debaters," based on the real-life victories of a black college debating team in the 1930s.
