01/24/2024

On Tuesday, Jan. 23, Highlands Elementary Students had a school-wide assembly to kick off the national Great Kindness Challenge Week.

Dressed in their bright gold #bethekindkid T-shirts, students and staff welcomed Pittsburgh entrepreneur Mr. Jamal Woodson, known as “The Giveback King”, to the school to talk about the importance of kindness and how every person has opportunities to “give back”.

Woodson, who is the general sales manager for WAMO 107.3 radio station and the director of SLAAM Basketball, finds joy in giving back to the community.

During the assembly, Woodson showed a video of his random acts of kindness, including giving $100 bills to fast food restaurant employees and paying for everyone’s groceries in a store. On his own birthday at a local gas station, Woodson paid for everyone’s gas and gave away cash, gift cards, pizza and T-shirts! His generous giveaways come from his own pocket.

After awarding three lucky HES students with gift cards to Chick-Fil-A and having three staff members participate in a fun dance challenge, Woodson surprised Highlands Elementary head cook, Mr. Dino Donatelli, with a very special recognition. “Mr. Dino”, as the students call him, was nominated and chosen as the kindest staff member at HES! The Giveback King gave him a check for $1,000 and a banner that said “Mr. Dino – Great Kindness Challenge Person of the Year”!  

“Mr. Dino” was overwhelmed with emotion as he expressed his gratitude for the honor. He said that he truly enjoys coming to work and interacting with all the staff and students.

Many thanks to HES teacher Mrs. Beth Brancato for all her efforts in arranging the special assembly.

Learn more about The Giveback King and his efforts to give back to the community at https://thegivebackking.com/