NORTH VERSAILLES, Pa. — Starr DeJesus admits she learned a lot about both the generosity of the American people and her own potential from an immigrant who spoke to her civics class.

“I didn’t know it was just an America thing to tip servers,” the high school senior and part-time Denny’s server said. “We rarely emphasize the good things about our culture. The only things you ever hear about on social media are complaints or criticisms.”