Actor and DCSD alumnus, Shameik Moore, visits Hambrick Elementary
Have you ever begun your day with a dance party? How about a school supply giveaway? What if you received both—plus a movie star visit?
On Aug. 23, DeKalb County School District’s Hambrick Elementary welcomed Yoobi, a national school supply company who gives away as much as they sell, for a school supply giveaway and rally.
Hambrick was also surprised by the appearance of a homegrown movie star, Shameik Moore. Moore—known for his starring roles in such films and television series as Dope and The Get Down—attended DeKalb Elementary School of the Arts and grew up in Lithonia. He has also worked with Pharrell Williams, Nick Cannon, Tyler Perry, Queen Latifah, and Dolly Parton.
In December 2018, Moore will star as Miles Morales, one of the many versions of Spider-Man in Spider-Man: Into the Spider-Verse. As part of his visit, Moore gave each student an Into the Spider-Verse movie poster as well as words of encouragement.
“I always wanted to be a real-life superhero,” Moore told students. “For me, being a real-life superhero is being able to give back to my community, being a source of inspiration, and being able to connect with people. I want to be someone [students] can look at, and tell [themselves], ‘Wow, I could be like that. I can be in movies.’ Anything is possible.”
In addition to a full DJ set by Tiff McFierce, dance party and general celebration, each student in second through fifth grade at Hambrick received a Yoobi school supply pack, which includes backpacks, pencil bags, notebooks, pens, crayons, and more.
“We make super awesome, super cool school supplies, right?” asked Justin Woods, Chief Giving Officer at Yoobi, during the celebration. “Every time we sell one, you know what we do? We give one away. Is it more fun to do homework by yourself or with a friend? Is it more fun to color and do art projects by yourself or with a friend? That’s what we do here at Yoobi—we want everyone to have school supplies so they can grow, learn, and discover all the amazing things that happen.”
According to Woods, Yoobi picked Hambrick Elementary because of its student achievement and teacher support. The company supports the power of students to make a difference in their community, and Woods asked Hambrick students not “what” they wanted to be when they grow up, but “who” they want to be.
“I’m not talking about the kinds of jobs you want to have – I’m talking about what’s inside your hearts,” Woods told students. “What is your capacity and ability to help other people in your community?”
Woods and Moore honored student Andy Pollard for already making a difference at Hambrick Elementary. Pollard was recognized for helping his younger sister make the transition into school, helping her walk to school, and joining the school safety patrol.
“All of you can change the world—you can do anything you put your mind to, and that is a fact,” Moore said.