Kids in Staten Island are proudly showing off their glowing report cards — and one generous deli owner is rewarding their hard work. Wail “Wally” Alselwi, co-owner and manager of Zack’s Finest Deli & Grocery in Staten Island, New York, is giving away free groceries to students who bring in good grades.
“Island Ock, I got my report card, man,” a young girl in braids says as she enters Zack’s Finest Deli & Grocery, a bodega in Staten Island, New York. “It’s better than ever.”
Her name is Madison and she’s a 17-year-old high school junior who dreams of becoming a professional basketball player one day. But until then, she’s focusing on her grades, according to a heartwarming TikTok.
“Madison!” exclaims Wail Alselwi, the “Island Ock” in question, manager and co-owner of Zack’s. Also known as Wally to regulars, he directs his attention to her report card.
“Last time it was 98, then it was 99. What is it this time?” he asks.
“Now it’s 100,” Madison says, proudly.
“You know what happens, right?” Alselwi responds, then hands her $100 and allows her to pick snacks from the store. She opts for Smarties, M&M’s and some other goodies.
Madison has been in before, showing off high marks and receiving her prize, like many other students on Alselwi’s TikTok account.
He says students who earn an average of 80 — 90% are awarded whatever they want from the store, and those who get between 70 — 80% can take home $10 worth of items. Students with lower grades who show improvement also get goodies, and the same goes for kids with perfect attendance or who are awarded student of the month.
If a kid gets 90% or higher, he offers them their pick of goodies from the store, as well as a $100 bill and a T-shirt.
“I like seeing the smile on their faces,” Alselwi tells TODAY.com. “Man, it makes me happy.”
Speaking to TODAY.com while behind his bodega’s counter, Alselwi pauses the conversation to help a customer, joking about a particularly high till of $67.
“Don’t be short, bro, be tall today,” he says, filling his shop with laughter.
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