IRMO, S.C. — School District Five students and staff received a surprise visit from a former Irmo Yellow Jacket and current Seattle Seahawks safety when Nick Emmanwori returned virtually to the schools that helped shape his journey.
Emmanwori surprised students and staff at Leaphart Elementary School STEAM Magnet, Irmo Middle School International Academic Magnet School and Irmo High School International School for the Arts during a virtual pep rally. He presented each school with a $10,000 donation, for a total of $30,000 to support students and schools in the community where he grew up.
The virtual celebration reached about 2,000 students, who had an opportunity to hear directly from Emmanwori, celebrate his success and enjoy a surprise ice cream party with their teachers and staff.
“I wouldn’t be who I am without Leaphart Elementary, Irmo Middle, and Irmo High,” Emmanwori said. “As students head back to school, I wanted to give $30,000 across all three, the same schools that shaped me growing up in Irmo. This is my way of saying thank you, and I hope every kid there knows their community is behind them.”
Emmanwori became a standout student-athlete at Irmo High School before continuing his career at the University of South Carolina and ultimately reaching the NFL, where he now plays for the Seattle Seahawks.
For District Five students and staff, Emmanwori’s surprise was about more than an ice cream celebration. It provided a firsthand example of gratitude, community and the importance of giving back.
“It’s awesome to watch students grow and become the very best versions of themselves,” Irmo Middle School Principal Mansa Joseph said. “As educators, we plant seeds in our students and hope that those seeds grow beyond anything we could have imagined. Nick is a wonderful example of that. He is a young man who has pursued and achieved his dreams, and we are incredibly proud of him.”
Joseph said the school is grateful for Emmanwori’s generosity and the impact of his donation.
Leaphart Elementary STEAM Magnet Principal Courtney Sims also expressed appreciation for Emmanwori’s support.
“We are deeply grateful to Nick Emmanwori for his incredible generosity,” Sims said. “We could not be prouder of everything he has accomplished, and we feel honored that his time at Leaphart played even a small part in his journey to success.”
Sims said the donation will allow the school to support teachers and staff in several ways.
“Final allocations are being finalized, but the funds will be intentionally directed toward classroom furnishings, professional learning opportunities, teacher wellness, and staff appreciation,” she said.
