Enlarge By Michael Rozman, AP Ellen DeGeneres says she admires Constance McMillen for challenging Itawamba County School District rules that would prevent her from escorting her girlfriend to the prom. Constance McMillen By Matthew Sharpe for The Clarion-Ledger Talk show host Ellen DeGeneres called Fulton, Miss., teen Constance McMillen part of a new generation of leaders for her stand for gay rights and presented her with a $30,000 college scholarship check. DeGeneres, who is gay, had McMillen as a guest on her syndicated show that aired Friday. "I admire you so much," she told the 18-year-old senior from Itawamba Agricultural High School. "When I was your age I never would have had the strength to do what you are doing." NEW HOPE: Offers flood in to save Miss. prom LEGAL: ACLU files against school for canceling prom CANCELED: Prom called off after lesbian's date request Last week, the Itawamba County school board canceled a planned April 2 prom after McMillen challenged the district's policy banning same-sex dates. McMillen also had asked to wear a tuxedo to the prom, but was told by the district that girls must wear gowns. McMillen, aided by the American Civil Liberties Union of Mississippi, filed a federal lawsuit against district officials for alleged violations of her First Amendment right to freedom of expression and asked that the prom be reinstated. A hearing on that request is slated for Monday in Aberdeen . In their one public statement, school board members said they canceled the prom because it was causing a distraction to the educational mission of the high school. They also cited safety concerns as a factor in their decision, while expressing their desire that a private group host the prom. McMillen has made a number of television appearances since the board's decision to cancel the prom, but none with the audience of DeGeneres' show. DeGeneres said she had offered to pay for a private prom for McMillen and her classmates, but McMillen said she wanted the school district to hold the dance. Instead, DeGeneres presented her with an oversized $30,000 check from the website Tonic.com, which describes itself as a "digital media company dedicated to promoting the good that happens each day around the world." Tonic.com also offered McMillen a summer internship in New York City, DeGeneres said. The website is raising money for a second-chance prom for students in Mississippi that would include gay and lesbian students. The Mississippi Safe Schools Coalition is organizing the dance, but has not released any details about it. Joyner reports for The (Jackson, Miss.) Clarion-Ledger. Guidelines: You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. You share in the USA TODAY community, so please keep your comments smart and civil. Don't attack other readers personally, and keep your language decent. Use the "Report Abuse" button to make a difference. Read more