Jalen Hurts donates $600,000 to upgrade HVAC system at Northeast High School in Rhawnhurst
PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- Philadelphia Eagles quarterback Jalen Hurts announced a $600,000 donation to upgrade the HVAC system at Northeast High School, one of 52 district schools that still do not have air conditioning.
Hurts surprised students during an event at the school Tuesday morning, taking the stage to announce the gift from his foundation.
The donation is the largest contribution made by the foundation to date.
More than 1,000 students, teachers and staff gathered in the school's auditorium for the announcement.
Although outdoor temperatures were comfortable, the auditorium was described as stuffy during the event.
Explaining his decision to make the donation, Hurts said he learned three years ago through a television segment that about half of the district's schools lacked air conditioning.
"Growing up in the South, I was very blown away about school being canceled not for snow, but for lack of AC," Hurts said.
School District of Philadelphia Superintendent Tony Watlington also referenced the issue during the event.
"When you watched that program, I don't know which network, there were 118 of the district's schools that didn't have AC," Watlington said.
He credited Hurts and Philadelphia Mayor Cherelle Parker for helping draw attention to the problem.
"Because of your leadership, and Mayor Parker did," Watlington said.
Watlington said the number of district schools without air conditioning has been reduced from 118 to 52.
So far this school year, Philadelphia has experienced two heat-interrupted days at the 52 schools that still do not have air conditioning.
The donation is expected to help address cooling needs at Northeast High School as the district continues efforts to reduce the number of schools without air conditioning.
