RICHARDSON, Texas (KTVT) – A high school swim team from Texas raised nearly $20,000 to help their beloved school custodian after he spent months in the hospital with serious health problems.
J.J. Pearce High School custodian Van Le spent the past few months in the hospital, unable to work and racking up medical bills. When the school swim team learned about Le’s situation, they decided to help by hosting a swim-a-thon.
“He’s the nicest guy ever,” said junior Sophia Nidam of Le. “If you see him in the hallway, he’ll give you a high five or a hug, and he’s just so sweet.”
The students on the swim team swam non-stop for over an hour, logging a total distance of nearly 2.5 miles, according to the Richardson Independent School District. Every lap they swam had a purpose.
“We want to change a life, and we want to do things that will help other people,” swim coach Eric Ewing said.
The students raised over $17,000 for Le, more money than they ever thought possible. It was enough to take care of all his hospital bills. The team also surprised him with a new car and a bike to help with his commute, which is over an hour long.
Le, who is working to become a U.S. citizen, doesn’t speak much English, but he didn’t need words to express his gratitude as he hugged the kids through cheers and laughter.
“I think it’s very surprise for me,” he said. “A big thank you for everybody, for the professors, for all the teachers and all the students.”
Driven by big hearts and teamwork, the school community came together in an effort the students will never forget – and neither will Le.
“This school is my future and my life,” he said.
Copyright 2026 KTVT via CNN Newsource. All rights reserved. Gray News contributed to this report.