Former Music Teacher Says Jennifer Hudson Has History Of Generosity

CHICAGO (CBS) -- Chicago's own Jennifer Hudson was honored at the People's Choice Awards on CBS as favorite humanitarian.

CBS 2's Pamela Jones spoke with J-Hud's high school music teacher, to learn more about that giving spirit.

Chicago star Jennifer Hudson is shining not only for her musical and dramatic prowess, but also for all she gives back.

Chicagoans have seen her generosity. In August, Jennifer returned to her hometown to hand out school supplies with her sister Julia. An effort first started to honor Julia's son, Julian, murdered back in October of 2008.

"She's always been very generous. Very generous," said Richard Nunley, Hudon's former music teacher.

Nunley helped train Hudson's voice at Dunbar Vocational Career Center where she attended high school back in the 90's.

"Even back in high school, she would share things with the other students. And I remember this very distinctly, she would share her lunch, she would share different items, so that has always been a part of her," said Nunley.

Nunley arranged classic ballads to help fine tune skills Hudson seemed destined to share with the world.

"She came in and she said she wanted to sing for me. I was like 'Oh, my God, another kid I have to listen to,' but she just left me mesmerized from the first time I met her."

Hudson's award carries a $100,000 contribution from Walgreens to the foundation Hudson started in her nephew Julian's name.