In a world where heartwarming moments often get overshadowed by high stakes politics and celebrity drama, one humble deli owner’s simple yet profound gesture has captured the hearts of millions.
A video shared by Good Morning America recently went viral on TikTok, showcasing a touching interaction between a deli owner and a young boy from the neighborhood who achieved a surprising milestone.
A Celebration of Hard Work
Little boy talks about his academic achievement.
Good Morning America/YouTube
The video begins with 12-year-old Zameir Davis excitedly entering his neighborhood deli, exclaiming, “I told you I’d get honor roll!”
Wail “Wally” Alselwi, the owner, filled with genuine joy and pride, responds with disbelief and excitement, “No way! You did it! Let me see!” As the boy shows his report card, the owner enthusiastically announces, “He did it! Go grab whatever you want.”
Encouraging Excellence
Deli owner captures moment he realized local kid achieved his goal.
Wail Alselwi /Good Morning America/YouTube
The deli owner shares the story behind this celebratory moment. “He’s a really smart kid and his actions are so innocent. He came and showed me his grades the first time, and I thought, ‘You know what? Let me see if he’s going to keep going.’ I just wanted to encourage him,” he explains.
The boy, driven by the desire to make honor roll, recalls his journey. “I’ve been seeing a lot of kids get honor roll and I thought, ‘I want to get honor roll.’ I kept trying and trying until I finally got a 90 average! I was so excited and happy because all my hard work paid off.”
A Father’s Pride
Donald Davis shares with Good Morning America that he is proud of his son.
Good Morning America/YouTube
The boy’s father, beaming with pride, shares his thoughts on his son’s accomplishment. “He pushed himself so much and made it into the honor roll. If you’ve seen the video, you know how happy he was. He just kept working hard and deserves it. I’m very proud of my son, 100%. This is just the beginning. He can reach the top if he puts his mind to it. We’ve got a whole other four years of high school and then college. He’s going to be my doctor or my lawyer someday.”
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Spreading the Encouragement
Little girl shows her report card to deli owner.
Good Morning America / YouTube
The deli owner’s gesture didn’t stop with just one child. Inspired by the boy’s determination, he extended his encouragement to other kids in the community. “I started doing it with other kids too,” he says.
“Some kids have bad grades and just need encouragement to do better so they don’t give up. You give them hope. You show them that someone really cares and that there is a reward for their hard work.”
– Wail Alselwi
As the video concludes, a voiceover gives a shoutout to Wally, the deli owner, for his efforts. “We want to give a big shout out to Wally. He’s doing his thing for the kids in the community.”
A Community Effort
Deli owner shares why community matters.
Wail Alselwi /Good Morning America / YouTube
Wally’s love for the community and children shines through his actions. “I never had people encourage me and tell me to do this or that. As a community, I love kids. I have three daughters, and I love them to death. I want other people to do what I do for kids. If there’s not someone in your household to encourage you, there’s always somebody else outside. Don’t give up. Keep going, and you will make it.”
This viral video is more than just a celebration of one boy’s academic achievement; it’s a testament to the power of community support and the difference one person can make in the lives of others.
Wally’s kindness and encouragement have not only made an impact on the young boy but also inspired countless others to spread positivity and hope.
