In a heartfelt display of community spirit, a Texas high school swim team has successfully raised nearly $20,000 to support their cherished school custodian, who faced financial difficulties after a prolonged hospitalization.
Students Rally for Beloved Custodian
The story centers on Van Le, a custodian at a Texas high school who is much loved by the community. His financial struggles became apparent after an extended hospital stay, prompting the school’s swim team to take action. “I was thinking how we could incorporate swimming with helping this man, and a swim-a-thon just, like, immediately popped into my mind,” said Samantha Sloan, a freshman at J.J. Pearce High School and member of the Mustangs swim team.
A Team Effort
With the support of her teammates, including Sophia Nidam, the swim-a-thon quickly took shape. “Our swim team is kind of just, like, a big family. So when we all, like, heard about the story, when Coach texted us, all of the – when we all read it, we were like, we have to do this. And when one of us, like, needs something, we all band together to help them,” said Nidam.
Community Bonding
Eric Ewing, the head coach of the Mustangs, shared that Van Le, who immigrated from Vietnam and speaks limited English, had formed a unique bond with the students and staff. “He would say, hi, Teacher, or, good morning, Teacher. And then we just sort of did this every time, even to the point where sometimes I would give him a hug or he would give me a hug,” Ewing recalled.
A Successful Fundraiser
The swim-a-thon was a vibrant event, filled with music and cheering from students and parents alike. “We just turned the music up really loud in the… Natatorium, played a lot of uplifting music. Samantha is also a cheerleader, and she made signs. And she was cheering, and we had other parents there cheering and other students there cheering. So it was a pretty upbeat moment,” Ewing described.
Participants completed a 4,000-meter swim, which Nidam found motivating. “Honestly, swimming it was just like – you had such a purpose that it didn’t really feel that long. It was 4,000 meters, but it didn’t feel that long because you felt so purposeful,” she said.
A Grateful Heart
The event raised approximately $21,000 for Van Le, along with a new bicycle and a car donated by an alumnus. In appreciation, Van Le expressed his gratitude to the students and coaches, telling CBS News affiliate KTVT, “This school is my future and my life.” The contributions will significantly aid Van Le in planning for his future.
