Students Surprise Beloved Custodian with Dream Jeep® Wrangler

A heartwarming gesture from students at Madison High School in Vienna, Virginia, brought their beloved school custodian, Francis Apraku, to tears when they surprised him with a Jeep® Wrangler Unlimited (JK) for his birthday. Known for his kindness and dedication, Apraku had mentioned his long-standing dream of owning a Jeep to the students, sparking a remarkable fundraising effort.

Freshman Bennett Hibshman, along with six friends, initiated the campaign after asking Apraku what he wanted for his birthday. Apraku told them his dream vehicle was a Jeep Wrangler, but it always seemed out of reach. Determined to make that dream come true, the students created a GoFundMe with a modest goal of raising enough money before they graduated. Incredibly, within 48 hours, the campaign raised $5,000, and the momentum didn’t stop there. The fundraiser quickly gained attention from local businesses and the Vienna community, including support from the Vienna Inn and Terra’s Ice Cream, among others. By the end of the campaign, over $21,000 had been raised.

The students teamed up with a local dealership to purchase a Firecracker Red Jeep Wrangler Unlimited Sport, known for its rugged off-road capabilities and classic Jeep styling. When they gathered to present Apraku with his new vehicle, his emotional reaction was captured on video. Overwhelmed, Apraku dropped to the ground, covering his face in disbelief, before hugging the students and expressing his gratitude. “Today is a wonderful day in my life, and I will never forget it,” Apraku said, clearly touched by the generosity of the students and community.

Hibshman and his friends were equally moved by the experience, noting that Apraku’s joy was contagious and exceeded their expectations. “His reaction made all of us happy for him,” Hibshman said. The effort highlighted how a community can come together to make a difference, even for someone they may not know personally.

Source: WUSA 9