'Abbott Elementary' creator Quinta Brunson receives key to Philadelphia, dedicates mural at alma mater

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) — It was an incredible and emotional day for Quinta Brunson at her alma mater, the Andrew Hamilton School, in West Philadelphia.

This is the city that raised her, and Wednesday, on stage in her middle school auditorium, Brunson received the key to her city.

IMAGE: "Abbott Elementary" creator Quinta Brunson received a key to her native city of Philadelphia during a ceremony on May 28, 2025.

IMAGE: “Abbott Elementary” creator Quinta Brunson received a key to her native city of Philadelphia during a ceremony on May 28, 2025.

“Quinta Brunson, this is your city and you are ours,” said Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker.

Brunson was having a full circle, fully Philly kind of moment.

“Even when I first walked in the door, I was like, ‘Oh, I’m home. I’m home. I’m in Philly,” Brunson said.

The Andrew Hamilton School inspired her hit ABC show “Abbott Elementary.”

“It’s interesting to be back in this gym that seemed so huge when I was young,” she reflects. “I’m reminiscing about my childhood and how I was motivated by everything around me.”

MORE | ‘Abbott Elementary’ films Season 4 finale during field trip to Philadelphia

Joyce Abbott, her 6th-grade teacher, inspired the show’s name.

“It’s unbelievable,” Abbott said. “I always knew she was headed for greatness, like all of my students, but it’s just amazing to see this.”

They also celebrated a brand-new mural wrapping around the school, one that Quinta designed with Mural Arts Philadelphia.

When presented with the suggestion of featuring characters from the TV show on the mural, she declined, opting instead to highlight the true heroes of West Philadelphia.

“That aspect was crucial to me,” Brunson explains. “There was initially a design with elements from the show, which I appreciated. However, having grown up in Philly and being familiar with the murals here, it was essential to me that the mural showcased individuals from this community, individuals from this school.”

Brunson took the time to give a shoutout to a few of her show’s muses.

Her mother, Norma Jean, a former kindergarten teacher, inspired the character Barbara Howard, played by Sheryl Lee Ralph.

And her old classmate Gregory Wright, now an educator himself, is the source material for Gregory Eddie.

Wright is also a consultant on the show, and right now, they’re working on season 5.

“We’re in the writers’ room now,” Brunson says. “We just started last week. I am so pumped, and I like what we have already so far.”

As part of this celebration, she is also donating a total of $50,000 to two different Philadelphia-area charities: one that provides music education and another that provides fresh groceries to kids in the community just like her.

Disney is the parent company of this ABC station.

Copyright © 2025 WPVI-TV. All Rights Reserved.

You May Also Like
'Freakier Friday' new look: what the latest trailer reveals about the sequel's story.

‘Revealing the Story of the Sequel: A Closer Look at the New ‘Freakier Friday’ Trailer’

Disney released a new trailer for “Freakier Friday” and the switcheroo shenanigans…
The iconic landmarks set to be wiped out by The Big One... as experts raise earthquake threat level

Famous landmarks at risk of destruction from a powerful earthquake as experts increase alert level for seismic activity.

The Hollywood sign and the Golden Gate Bridge are among the iconic…
Maniac killed and dismembered 19-year-old college student on their first date

Maniac kills and dismembers college student on first date

A 19-year-old college student was killed and dismembered by a man from…
College sports changed forever as judge approves groundbreaking move

Judge’s Approval Marks a Landmark Change in College Sports

The settlement in the House v. NCAA case, approved by Judge Claudia…
Deported notorious migrant dubbed 'Maryland man' is on his way BACK to America from El Salvador prison

Notorious Migrant Known as ‘Maryland Man’ Deported and Returning to America from El Salvador Jail

A migrant man who was mistakenly deported by the Trump administration to…
Trump breaks silence on escalating feud with Elon Musk and teases his next move

Trump speaks out about growing disagreement with Elon Musk and hints at his upcoming action

President Donald Trump has, at last, addressed the ongoing public disagreement with…
'Devil in the Ozarks' captured by police after murderous police chief escaped jail using a disguise

Police Capture ‘Devil in the Ozarks’ after Escaped Murderous Police Chief Successfully Used Disguise to Flee Jail

The two-week manhunt for Grant Hardin, a convicted murderer and rapist, finally…
FBI Director Kash Patel announces Covid breakthrough after seizing Anthony Fauci's phones and hard drives

FBI Director Kash Patel reveals Covid discovery following seizure of Anthony Fauci’s electronic devices.

According to the president’s intelligence head, the Trump administration claims to have…
‘Predator: Killer of Killers’ Ending Explained: The Secret Meaning Behind Those ‘Prey’ Easter Eggs

Explaining the Ending of ‘Predator: Killer of Killers’: Uncovering the Hidden Symbolism in the ‘Prey’ Easter Eggs

In 2022, the release of Prey on Hulu brought about a significant…
'Cannon' test boosts Karen Read’s defense, showing taillight damage consistent with thrown bar glass

Karen Read’s defense gets a boost from ‘Cannon’ test, revealing taillight damage that matches glass thrown at her

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Karen Read’s legal team…
Kilmar Abrego Garcia indicted on human trafficking charges, ordered to appear before judge in Nashville

Kilmar Abrego Garcia indicted on charges of human trafficking, scheduled for court appearance in Nashville

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles! Kilmar Armando Abrego Garcia,…
President Donald Trump administration asks Supreme Court to leave mass layoffs at US Department of Education in place

The Trump Administration Seeks Supreme Court Approval to Maintain Mass Layoffs at US Department of Education

WASHINGTON — The Trump administration has requested the Supreme Court to halt…