Students at West Side High School in Newark, New Jersey, got the surprise of their young lives when media mogul Oprah Winfrey stopped by and said she was donating half a million dollars to the school, reports the Huffington Post.
The generous move came just days after fellow billionaire Robert Smith told graduating students at Morehouse College in Atlanta that he was going to pay off their student loans. Winfrey said she was inspired to make the $500,000 donation after seeing a news report on TV about the school principal’s efforts to stop bullying and keep students off the streets. “I saw what your great principal is doing,” Winfrey told students and staff packed into the school’s gymnasium. “And I thought, what can I do?”
“So I’m going to leave here tonight and leave you with a half a million dollars,” she continued, prompting the crowd to erupt in applause.” Part of the school’s efforts provides students a place to be after dark, as the school stays open until 11 p.m. on Fridays. Inside, kids can use the gym, play board games, dance and more, and local charities provide food.
Akbar Cook, the school’s principal, also had washing machines installed for students to use, as he had heard that some kids were being teased for wearing dirty clothes. “This is selfless work that we do,” Cook told CBS News. “No one goes into education thinking y are going to get rich… I have a gold medal around my heart from the love that the kids give back to me.” Winfrey said she wants the programs Cook has initiated to continue.
In addition to the donation to the school, she also gave each student a $50 gift card for the grocery store in the area. According to the Star Ledger, Cook told Winfrey, “My kids feel like they don’t have anyone. And you just took time out of your busy schedule to show me and my babies love. I’m floored. I’m truly humbled.”
