A Staten Island deli manager is gaining national attention for a unique initiative that turns good grades into cash and community pride.

Wail Alselwi, better known online as “Island Ock,” manages a Staten Island bodega and has gone viral for rewarding children who excel in school. What started as a promise to one student has grown into a nationwide movement, with lines stretching out the door and families traveling hundreds of miles to take part.

“It went viral,” Alselwi said. “Kids from everywhere in Staten Island saying, ‘Can I show you my report card?’” The trend quickly gained traction after he shared the story on social media. His frequent and consistent postings soon began reaching millions.

The concept was straightforward: students who showed Alselwi strong report cards received more than just praise. Initially, they were rewarded with any item they wanted from the store. But the stakes quickly rose, with Alselwi handing out $100 bills and branded “Island Ock” t-shirts to top-performing students.

Russell Vinson, a local seventh grader who participated in the program, said he hopes his involvement inspires others. “It’s shocking seeing a lot of people around the world getting encouraged,” he said. “I want to set an example for others, for kids that are doing a little bit poorly in school to bring up their grades more.”

In two years, the initiative has grown far beyond Staten Island. Families from every borough now visit the store, and interest has spread across states. One family traveled from Alabama, and just this week, two kids arrived from Virginia to participate.

At first, Alselwi funded the rewards himself. But as word spread and the number of participants surged, he launched a GoFundMe page to help manage the increasing demand. In recent weeks, the crowds have been so large that families have waited in lines outside the store for days.

As participation rates went up, so did the standards. “To get the 100 dollars and the Island Ock t-shirt, kids have to get a 98+ average,” Alselwi explained. “If you have an 88 to 97, you get to grab whatever you want.” To manage the high volume, rewards are now limited to twice a year, in December and June - require appointments in advance.

Support from the local community has been strong. Diamond Cunningham, a regular customer, stressed the importance of Alselwi’s mission. “A lot of parents can’t reward their kids when their report cards is good,” she said.

Alselwi himself remains humble, expressing thanks for the way the initiative has expanded. “If you can help your community the same way I’ve helped my community, why not?” he said.

For students like Russell, recognition goes a long way. “Give Wail the credit he deserves because he’s a good guy,” he said.

What began as a spontaneous gesture by one man in a corner store has become a destination for families from across the country, all drawn by the simple promise that hard work in school can pay off.