Thanks to such a comforting and unexpected reversal of the basketball star Angel Reese recently made the headlines, not for his talents in the field, but for his compassion outside. During a visit to its former university, the St. Frances Academy in Baltimore, the LSU and the Hope champion of the WNBA discovered that Mr. Thomas Jenkins, a concierge who has been working at school for decades, has always cleaned the corridors, at the incredible age of 80.
What had started as a nostalgic visit to school that had marked its early years quickly turned into a moment of deep reflection and emotional connection. By browsing the same corridors where it was activated between lessons and basketball training, Angel saw a familiar face: a man whose discreet devotion often went unnoticed during his school years, but who has now imposed himself as a symbol of resilience and humility.
Mr. Jenkins, affectionately nicknamed “M. T.” By students and staff, worked at St. Frances Academy for over 50 years. Always nice and smiling, he was more than a simple concierge: he was an integral part of the school. While others left for him. During winter freezes and burning summers, Mr. T was swept away the floors, repaired the broken lockers and made sure that the classrooms were impeccable, often arriving before dawn and leaving long after sunset.
Moved by the sight of M. T. still pushing his broom cart, Angel could not ignore the flow of emotions that overwhelmed her. “This man gave us so much, and he deserves to rest and be honored, and not to continue working just to reach both extremities,” she said later in an interview. The rest of the events surprised the entire school community.
Without hesitation, Angel Reese decided to cover Mr. Jenkins’ subsistence costs and medical care for the rest of his days. Thanks to its new foundation, the Angel C. Reese Foundation, which works for the empowerment of young people and support for disadvantaged communities, it has made a monthly allowance paid to Mr. Jenkins, allowing him to take a comfortable retirement. But that was not all. She also announced the creation of a scholarship on her behalf:The Thomas Jenkins Legacy scholarship, intended to support students who show humility, professional ethics and community engagement, values that MT embodied daily.
“I couldn’t go from here knowing that he was still working at the age of 80,” said Angel, holding his tears by hugging Jenkins in his arms. This moment of moving was filmed and quickly became viral, attracting the praises of celebrities, athletes and the general public. “We need more heroes like Angel Reese,” wrote a surfer. “It’s a real queen on the ground as outside.” “” “
For Angel, this act of generosity was not a question of advertising, but of gratitude. In her speech to students and staff, she explained that people like Mr. Jenkins often go unnoticed, despite their precious contribution. “It was present for us every day, flawless. Now, it is our turn to support him,” she said in a firm and convinced voice.
Mr. Jenkins, overwhelmed by emotion, expressed his deep gratitude. “I did not expect that. I just did my job because I love this school and these students,” he said, tears in the eyes under the standing ovation of students and teachers. “But Miss Angel has a larger heart than all this building.” »»
This gesture is only one of the many testimonies that testify to Angel Reese’s deep attachment to his roots and his commitment to accompany others in their ascent. In 2023, she had already donated $ 12,000 to cover the tuition fees of a young athlete from St. Frances Academy for an entire year. She also organized a great school event where hundreds of backpacks filled with supplies were distributed to students in the neighborhood.
Angel’s story is not only inspiring, but it also reminds us that the real greatness lies in kindness. His actions are more eloquent than any dashboard or trophy. They remind us that even the smallest roles of our life – like the concierge who discreetly takes care of the proper functioning of the business – deserve recognition, respect and, if possible, the reward.
In a world often dominated by selfishness, Angel Reese’s reaction to the discreet dedication of an illustrious man what a real leadership looks like. She was not content to remember where she came from: she came back, gave in return and changed a life forever. And in doing so, she inspired millions of people.
