David Martinez was used to working hard. At 17, he balanced school, a part-time job at City Sneakers in Atlanta, and family responsibilities. After his father passed away three years ago, David’s mother, Anna, worked two jobs to keep their small family afloat. David, the eldest, took on extra shifts to help out, all while keeping a 3.8 GPA and earning a scholarship to Georgia State University. But as prom season approached, he faced a reality that felt unfair: even with all his effort, there was no way he could afford prom.
David’s manager, Robert Taylor, had grown up in similar circumstances and saw himself in the hardworking teen. He’d hired David not just for his work ethic, but for his kindness and quiet determination. What neither of them knew was that a casual visit from a basketball legend would soon change everything.
It was a slow Tuesday when Shaquille O’Neal walked into City Sneakers, ducking under the doorway and flashing his famous grin. While David organized boxes in the back, Shaq chatted with Robert, who told him about the young man working tirelessly to help his family and save for prom. Shaq listened carefully, remembering his own humble beginnings.
When David emerged from the stockroom, he nearly dropped his boxes at the sight of the NBA giant. “Need some help with those?” Shaq asked, already reaching to steady the stack. David, starstruck, stammered a thank you.
As Shaq tried on shoes (size 22, of course), he struck up an easy conversation with David, asking about school, family, and dreams. David, inspired by the doctors who cared for his father, shared his plans to become a pediatrician. He’d earned a full ride to Georgia State, but worried about the expenses scholarships didn’t cover—books, housing, meals. He mentioned prom, too, admitting he’d had to quit basketball and was struggling to save enough for the big night.
Shaq, who knew what it felt like to stretch every dollar, saw the weight behind David’s words. What David didn’t know was that his guidance counselor, Ms. Williams, had written to the Shaq Foundation about his situation. The letter had landed on Shaq’s desk just days before.
After buying several pairs of shoes, Shaq made a quick call. Within minutes, a camera crew arrived—part of his reality show team. Robert called Anna, David’s mom, and Rachel, David’s prom date, wandered over from her job at the coffee shop next door. Suddenly, the small store was filled with anticipation.
Shaq turned to David, “I hear you’ve been working extra shifts to afford prom.” David nodded, his humility shining through. Shaq reached into an envelope and began pulling out gifts. First, a gift card to Men’s Warehouse for a brand-new suit—“Not a rental, your own suit,” Shaq said with a smile. Next, a card for the local florist, then a dinner reservation for David and Rachel at Atlanta’s finest restaurant. Rachel gasped, and Anna wiped away tears.
But Shaq was just getting started. He’d heard about how David split his tip money three ways: some for prom, some for college, and some for his sisters’ school supplies. “A lot of kids your age would keep it all,” Shaq said. “But you think about others, even when you barely have enough for yourself.”
Then, Shaq handed David a letter from the Shaq Foundation. It was a scholarship covering all expenses Georgia State didn’t—books, housing, meal plans—for all four years. Anna sobbed quietly, overwhelmed.
“And one more thing,” Shaq grinned. “You said you had to quit basketball to work here. Georgia State’s coach is a friend of mine. He’s agreed to let you try out for the team. Not promising a spot, but promising a fair shot.” David’s eyes lit up for the first time since his father’s passing. “But there’s just one condition,” Shaq joked. “You have to let me teach you my free throw technique.” Laughter broke the tension.
Ms. Williams reminded David he’d have to maintain his grades for the scholarship. “I won’t let you down, ma’am. Any of you,” David promised.
Rachel asked about David’s job at the store. Shaq assured her, “Already taken care of. Robert’s keeping your job open for breaks and holidays.” Then, turning to Anna, “Check your email. The hospital just got an anonymous donation for nursing assistants’ continuing education.” Anna’s dream of becoming a registered nurse was suddenly within reach.
Before they left, Shaq handed David a set of keys. “There’s a used Honda Civic outside. Nothing fancy, but reliable. Should get you to school, practice, and maybe take Rachel on a proper date.” The cameras captured tears, hugs, and the moment David realized his hard work had been seen and rewarded.
But the story didn’t end there. Word of Shaq’s visit spread quickly. Neighbor Carlos Rivera started a student fund to help classmates afford prom. The local formalwear shop donated tuxedos. The restaurant expanded free prom dinners to more couples. A real estate developer started a new scholarship fund for students with financial need.
At home, David’s sisters were thrilled with their new school supplies, and Anna could finally reduce her second job, spending more time with her children and registering for nursing classes. David, meanwhile, was invited to speak at the community center’s new program, “Beyond the Game,” inspiring younger kids with his story.
On prom night, David dressed in his new suit, his father’s cufflinks shining at his wrists. Rachel met him in a donated blue gown, radiant with happiness. At dinner, Shaq was waiting to greet them and other students helped by the community’s generosity. “Success isn’t just about opportunities,” Shaq told the group. “It’s about people coming together to lift each other up.”
At the prom, Principal Thompson announced that the new scholarship fund would help 35 seniors. On the ballroom screens, a video message from Shaq announced the “Believe in Dreams Foundation,” to help students at East Atlanta High and beyond.
As David and Rachel shared their first dance, Anna watched, tears in her eyes. The ripple effects of Shaq’s kindness had transformed not just one life, but an entire community. The night became a launching pad for dreams once thought out of reach.
Later, David stepped outside for a quiet moment. His phone buzzed with a text from Shaq: “Proud of you, young man. Remember, success isn’t just about what you achieve—it’s about who you inspire along the way.”
In the end, Shaquille O’Neal’s gift was more than a ticket to prom—it was a spark that awakened generosity, hope, and a movement that would change lives for years to come.
Shaquille O’Neal finds prom outfit for teen and gives him advice for success
17-year-old Kylon Owens, a senior basketball player and captain at South Oak Cliff High School, profiles as a strong NBA prospect.
According to the scouting site ‘Future150’, his strengths include his low post footwork and finishing through contact.
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Photo by LOGAN WEAVER | @LGNWVR on Unsplash
Among his teammates, he’s known as a compassionate and selfless leader who gives them rides and supports them while keeping his grades up.
However, at 6 foot 9 and 200-pounds, the teen admits that his frame can be his biggest foe. He told NBC5that nowhere does this stand out more than when shopping for clothes.
“Finding clothes to fit me is hard sometimes,” he said. “I have to go across town to find pants, then go on the opposite side to find a shirt.”
And so, with his high school prom fast approaching, it looked like Owens had met his match. Then, with the clock winding down, he’d get a shocking all-star assist for the ages.
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Photo by Kajetan Sumila on Unsplash
One day at home, Owens’ father informed him of some exciting news, courtesy of department store chain JCPenney. “My dad received an email about winning a free clothes giveaway. I had no idea what was going on,” he said.
Little did Owens know, this wasn’t your average giveaway. The teen’s work as a basketball player and member of his community caught the attention of the store and their brand ambassador, none other than NBA Hall of Fame and gentle giant, Shaquille O’Neal.
At over 7 feet and over 300 pounds, O’Neal told CBSthat he can relate to the teen’s wardrobe woes.
“I know how hard it is for a kid his size to get fresh clothes,” said O’Neal. “They call it DRIP. They want to look fly. They want to look nice.”
Joined by JC Penney CEO Jill Soltau, O’Neal surprised the starstruck Owens. And, after cycling through three suits, they found the freshest-fitting suit for the teen.
Shaq’s Wisdom Proved More Valuable Than Clothing
Photo by Gez Xavier Mansfield on Unsplash
Along with the fresh threads, the hulking legend had another gift for the young teen by sharing his secret for success.
Kerrie Owens, the young boy’s mother, was delighted to hear this.
“We want the best for him,” Kerrie said. “I’m always talking to him to do this and do that, so I’m glad Shaq followed it up,” she glowed.
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Owens said that day gives him motivation that fuels both his hoops and human dreams.
For the 4-time champion, making a kid smile and sparkle is what it’s all about. “To know I can make a kid smile, it’s just about making people happy,” he said.
Really, what good would all of Shaq’s success, rings, and revenue really mean if he kept to himself? When the cameras are off and his career’s over, he realizes our true legacy is in the impact we make on others during the brief time we’re here.
Whether it’s saving someone’s prom or just some words of wisdom, we can all pay our life lessons forward to make someone’s future a little brighter.
