Staten Island Bodega Inspires Students with 'Grades for Grabs' Initiative
Kids are lining up at this Staten Island bodega with report cards. Here’s why.
Usa TodayImage: Usa Today
In Staten Island, New York, Wail Alselwi, manager of Zach’s Finest Deli, has created a 'Grades for Grabs' program that rewards students for good report cards with snacks and prizes. The initiative has drawn thousands of kids, fostering community support and encouraging academic improvement.
- 01Wail Alselwi's 'Grades for Grabs' initiative rewards students for good grades.
- 02Students scoring above 90% receive significant prizes, including a $100 bill.
- 03The program has raised nearly $500,000 through community support.
- 04Alselwi emphasizes that improvement, not perfection, is celebrated.
- 05The deli has become a community hub for students in Port Richmond.
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Wail Alselwi, the manager of Zach’s Finest Deli in Staten Island, New York, has turned his corner bodega into a beacon of support for local students through his innovative 'Grades for Grabs' initiative. This program rewards students for good academic performance, offering prizes such as snacks, T-shirts, and even cash, depending on their grades. For instance, students who score above 90% can choose $100 worth of items. The initiative began with a bet with a student and has since attracted thousands, with lines of 300 to 400 children forming outside the deli during school marking periods. Alselwi's commitment to the community is evident as he remembers individual students and their preferences, fostering a sense of belonging and motivation. The program has raised nearly $500,000 through a GoFundMe campaign, ensuring its continuation. Alselwi believes in celebrating improvement, stating that every student, regardless of their starting point, deserves recognition for their efforts.
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The program encourages academic improvement among students, providing them with motivation and community support.
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