‘Today Show’ delivers surprise to McKeesport
By JEFF STITT
jstitt@yourmvi.com
The McKeesport Area High School band, football team, color guard and cheerleading squad was front and center Friday as the district got a major surprise.
NBC’s “The Today Show” informed students and teaching staff it would be broadcasting a special live segment from Weigle-Schaeffer Memorial Stadium in McKeesport with correspondent Craig Melvin, who would be featuring MASD school spirit.
But the district didn’t know NBC’s parent company, Comcast, had a surprise in store.
Through its Internet Essentials program and by working with Dell, Comcast gave 2,500 laptop computers to the district to distribute to high school and Founders’ Hall Middle School students.
Superintendent Dr. Mark Holtzman knew about the corporation’s plan to provide devices for the high school, but had no idea laptops would also be given to Founders’ Hall.
The Tigers erupted with cheers and applause as Melvin made the announcement while Comcast NBCUniversal employees opened the back door of a box truck filled with computer boxes decorated with gift wrap and giant bows.
The superintendent immediately revealed an expression of shock and awe, bowed his head as tears ran from his eyes and began to clap.
“The emotion — I really don’t even know what to say,” Holtzman said to Melvin.
“I really feel like finally, the kids get a break and they’re gonna get what they deserve,” he continued through emotion and a cracking voice.
“My boy,” a student in the applauding crowd shouted in support as others whistled and another student, Brison Kisan, patted the superintendent on the back.
At first, students thought they would have to return the computers at the end of the school year. They again erupted with glee when Melvin and Holtzman told them they get to keep the computers.
The giving didn’t stop there.
Comcast also announced it is providing one-year of free Internet Essentials service for eligible families with students in the high school or middle school.
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