11/09/2025
Wail Alselwi is a deli owner in Staten Island, New York, and he is changing lives one report card at a time. It all started in 2023 when a kid named Zameir Davis ran into Zack's Finest Deli & Grocery, and showed Wail his report card. Wail promised Zameir, "If you earn a 90% average and make the honor roll, you can get anything you want from the store." That simple promise sparked a movement called "Grades for Grabs."
Zameir worked hard to improve every day. By the end of the year, he got a 90% average and proudly made the honor roll. Zameir ran straight to Wail’s deli shouting, "I told you I was going to do it!" The emotional moment was captured on video and went viral. It inspired other kids in the neighborhood to get better grades, and they also started showing Wail their school report cards.
At first, Wail was paying everything out of his own pocket. His brother Nashwan started a GoFundMe page because people wanted to help, and it has now raised over $330,000 to reward kids for working hard in school. Students who earn a 90+ average receive $100, and even the kids who improve from failing to passing also get $100. In an interview with Stay Inspired, Wail said, "I'm showing every single kid that it’s not about perfection. It's about progress."
stayinspirednews.com/ny-deli-owner-raises-330-000-to-reward-kids-for-good-grades
📸 (Photo: Courtesy of Wail Alselwi)
