Gay Ex-Boy Scout Gets $20K Check, Spot on 'Ellen'

SAN FRANCISCO-A Northern California Boy Scout who was denied the opportunity to become an Eagle Scout and kicked out of his troop after he came out as gay has secured a considerable consolation prize: a $20,000 check for college and a national television audience.

Ellen DeGeneres booked 18-year-old Ryan Andresen of Moraga as a guest on her talk show Thursday, which was National Coming Out Day. After talking with Andresen about his experience, DeGeneres surprised him with the check provided by online photo publisher.

Andresen's mother, Karen Andresen, launched an online petition last week to get the master of her son's to sign-off on a project that would allow him to become an Eagle Scout. The Boy Scouts of America has a policy prohibiting gay members or troop leaders.