Shaq surprises metro Atlanta students with school visits

Shaquille O'Neal greets children at a Boys & Girls Club event in 2014. Photo credit: Jennifer Brett

Dec 7, 2018

Metro Atlanta students got a surprise visit from Shaq today.

Shaquille O'Neal stopped by Eagle’s Landing Middle School in Henry County.

It was a surprise visit, and the former basketball star congratulated members of the school’s National Junior Beta Club on a recent recognition, said school district spokesman JD Hardin.

Shaq also gave out some backpacks, held a brief pep rally and spoke to the students about making good life choices, Hardin said.

Last year, Shaq, who reportedly bought a home in Henry County a couple years ago, visited one of the district's schools as part of his "Shaq A Claus" celebration. Hardin said today's visit appeared to be just a surprise visit and not part of that event.

Today, Shaq tweeted thanks to all of his partners for their support of his 2018 Christmas project.

Again..
I would like to Thank all my partners for their support with Shaq A Claus 2018
This will be an awesome event for the kids
Merry Christmas pic.twitter.com/VwNANrHeQJ
— SHAQ (@SHAQ) December 7, 2018

DeKalb school officials posted on social media that Shaq also brought "some joy" to students at Kelley Lake Elementary School.

Thank you @SHAQ for bringing some joy to our students at Kelley Lake Elementary today! https://t.co/tsnAzvuTIY
— DeKalb Schools, GA (@DeKalbSchools) December 7, 2018