When the last period of the day started, Miami High School Principal Benny Valdés’ voice came in loud and clear over the PA system. “Mr. Valdés went on the announcements and [told the students] we have a special guest today, because of all your hard work,” Isamara Berrios, a 10th grade English teacher at the Little Havana high school tells me. The students were then released onto the field at the back of the school, initially confused about who they’d see. Eventually, they realized it was Drake, who rolled in on top of a fire truck. (Full disclosure: I graduated from this high school, and all I ever got to see was Pitbull in the school gym.) He recorded his music video for “God’s Plan” at the High.
Berrios explained that the surprise visit was a few days in the making. She learned about it last week on Friday, but it wasn’t a sure thing then. “I was told Drake wanted to give back – not sure why [to] Miami High,” she says. “Then today, Mr. Valdés came by my room and confirmed that the event was taking place during the last block.”
The English teacher described the energy as electric, and if you look at one of the many videos that the students recorded, you know it’s not a lie. On top of surprising students at this largely Latino high school, Drake also reportedly donated $25,000 to MHS and said he’d supply students with uniforms.
Below, check out a few videos and pictures on the field and outside of the school’s perimeter:
https://www.instagram.com/p/Be1RYciH6wd/?taken-at=803120700
https://www.instagram.com/p/Be1ZV4oh0On/?taken-at=803120700
https://www.instagram.com/p/Be1Ym8UnYm_/?taken-at=803120700
https://www.instagram.com/p/Be1C62alteB/?taken-at=803120700
Editor’s note: The writer of this piece and Isamara Berrios attended Miami High School together.