STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. – As part of its annual Global Crayola Creativity Week, the iconic art supply brand partnered last Thursday with Staten Island native and actor Michael Rainey Jr. to inspire students at PS 57 in Clifton, presenting the school with a $1,000 donation in art supplies.
The week-long initiative, which celebrates creativity in classrooms worldwide, reached more than 20 million students across all 50 states and 146 countries, according to Crayola.
Rainey Jr., 25, is best known for his role as Tariq St. Patrick on the Starz hit series “Power” and its spin-offs — a franchise whose target audience skews considerably older than the fourth and fifth-graders packed into the school auditorium. Even so, the actor was uncertain whether the students would be more excited to see him or Blizzard Blue, Crayola’s voiceless, dancing mascot.
Staten Island-grown actor Michael Rainey Jr. poses with Crayola mascot Blizzard Blue at P.S. 57 The Hubert H. Humphrey School in Clifton as Crayola partners with for a day of creativity, surprise and inspiration to students as part of Global Crayola Creative Week. Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. Advance/SILive.com | Jason Paderon
Judging by the cheers inside PS 57, it was a tie.
“I’m sure they probably see the show when their parents are watching,” Rainey Jr. joked, noting that his ties to the neighborhood run deep. His father grew up in the Park Hill Apartments located just across the street from the school. “To team up with Crayola is dope.”
Crayola representatives said the visit underscored the brand’s broader mission to promote creativity as an essential life skill.
“Crayola is working hard to make sure everyone understands the importance of creativity and how it can help kids with things like problem-solving, building relationships and confidence,” said Kailee Baylor. “We’re excited to celebrate the incredible work the educators are doing here at PS 57 to encourage every student in this school to be creative.”
The week-long initiative, which celebrates creativity in classrooms worldwide, reached more than 20 million students across all 50 states and 146 countries, according to Crayola.Advance/SILive.com | Jason Paderon
In addition to the art-focused programming, Rainey Jr. also participated in a financial literacy presentation alongside MFS Investment Management, an official sponsor of Creativity Week 2026. MFS contributed an additional $2,500 to help expand PS 57’s financial literacy curriculum.
“At MFS, we believe in creating value not just for our clients but for the communities we serve,” said spokesman Tom Schmitt. “Supporting initiatives like Crayola Creativity Week reflects our deep commitment to making a meaningful difference in people’s lives.”
PS 57 Principal Karyn Singleton praised the partnership, emphasizing the lasting impact the donations and programming will have on students.
“I’m very thankful for this generous donation and the opportunities it will create for our students,” Singleton said. “This support will continue to allow our children to experience new learning opportunities that they are excited about. Our students were fully engaged in the creativity aspect of today’s presentation as well as the importance of financial literacy. We are so grateful to Michael Rainey Jr. for selecting our school for this opportunity.”
Staten Island-grown actor Michael Rainey Jr. and Crayola partner for a day of creativity, surprise and inspiration to students at P.S. 57 The Hubert H. Humphrey School in Clifton as part of Global Crayola Creative Week. Thursday, Jan. 29, 2026. Advance/SILive.com | Jason Paderon
For Rainey Jr., the visit offered a chance to give back to the borough that helped shape him.
“It’s just inspiring helping the kids, putting smiles on their faces, giving them a chance to show off their creativity,” he said. “It’s a blessing, and I’m just happy to be part of it.”