GloRilla Donates $25K To Her Former High School

Memphis rapper GloRilla makes waves far beyond the music scene, proving that the success of hits is different when you use it to give back.

Source: Paras Griffin / Getty

On Wednesday, December 18, the 25-year-old artist returned to his roots at Melrose High School in the Orange Mound neighborhood of Memphis. With a $25,000 donation, GloRilla announced plans to transform the school’s library into a state-of-the-art media center—a move that cemented her legacy as an artist and hometown hero.

Funds will go toward the creation of the Gloria H. Woods Media Center, named after GloRilla’s original name—a full-circle moment for the rapper who once graced the halls of Melrose. GloRilla recalls her days as a student, expressing her gratitude for the opportunity to create something she wanted to grow up with.

“So the fact that I have the ability to do it now, it warms my heart,” he said while addressing the students. For them, Christmas came early, as GloRilla’s generosity promises to make a lasting impact on their education and experience at Melrose.

Break the bag

Source: Paras Griffin / Getty

Melrose High’s principal shared a detailed plan to invest $25,000 in students and the community:

• $5,000 for flexible, comfortable seating, allergen-free carpets, and decor to make the media center a creative and collaborative hub.
• $5,000 for updated learning software, ensuring students have access to modern tools for research and productivity.
• $5,000 for student incentives called Glo Bucks, a reward program for good grades, attendance, and positive behavior.
• $5,000 for the GloRilla Mentorship Program, offering field trips and personal development opportunities. Students in this program will receive immediate feedback and encouragement from Glo himself via video chat.
• $2,500 for Clothes Clothes Melrose, providing essential toiletries, underwear, and clothing to students in need.
• $2,500 for the Office of Family Engagement, building stronger relationships between schools, students, and their families to strengthen community support.

A Trip Down Memory Lane

During her visit, GloRilla posed in front of the trophy case, recreating a photo from her days as a student at Melrose. Sharing nostalgic side-by-side photos on her Instagram Stories, she reminded her fans and followers how far she’s come.

From chart-topping hits to heartfelt hometown gestures, GloRilla showed the world that being a boss is about more than fame—it’s about creating opportunities for others. His $25,000 donation is more than a financial donation; it’s a declaration of hope and a blueprint for giving back.

For Melrose High School students, the Gloria H. Woods Media Center represents a bright future, inspired by one of their own who dared to dream big and bring it home. The “Gloria H. Woods Media Center” is expected to be completed and announced this upcoming summer.

Capping Off a Monumental Year

Source: Paras Griffin / Getty

GloRilla has had one hell of a year! In addition to giving back to his community, he has received accolades throughout the music world. One of his most famous achievements was recognition by Time Magazine, which named his song “TGIF” as the Best Song of the Year. The publication highlighted the song as part of a wider celebration of the musical landscape of 2024, stating that the selection “was made with our list of the 10 Best Albums of 2024 in mind, so as to present a wider range of music, no artist appeared on both .”

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