WATCH: Memphis rapper GloRilla gives back to alma mater Melrose High School

MEMPHIS, Tenn. - Memphis rap star GloRilla was once again in the giving spirit.

On Wednesday, she visited her alma mater, Melrose High School in Orange Mound, and surprised students and staff with a live performance and a hefty check to go toward promoting literacy.

The gymnasium was electrified with excited students when GloRilla walked in. You could genuinely tell they had no clue. The school kept it under wraps.

Students roared when rap sensation GloRilla ran into the high school gymnasium Wednesday afternoon. Rapping her hit, single, "Yeah Glo!" as students chanted the lyrics back.

GloRilla returned to her old stomping grounds to give back to students, donating $25,000 to her alma mater.

"I always wished somebody could do that when I was younger," GloRilla said. "So the fact that I have the ability to do it now, it warms my heart."

Melrose High Principal Kristopher Davis said in honor of GloRilla's contribution, the school is renaming the library to the Gloria H. Woods Media Center.

"We want to upgrade our system so students can be more interactive, so they can research and take their learning to the next level," Principal Davis said.

RELATED: GloRilla's 'TGIF' named best song of 2024 by Time magazine

2024 has been GloRilla's year. She was nominated for two Grammys, named Billboard's Hottest Female Rapper of the year and is one of the Associated Press' Breakout Entertainers.

And just last week, Time magazine named her hit "TGIF" as its Best song of the Year.

RELATED: GloRilla, once a choir girl, is one of hip-hop's most promising voices

Teachers and students embraced the superstar, happy to simply touch her hand. "My heart was pounding. I was so excited. I look up to her. She is like an idol to me," said student Roniyah Gary.

GloRilla's success and generosity are a testament of what is possible when you go after your dreams. "Whatever you want to do, go for it. Have faith, manifest and go for it," the rapper said.

RELATED: Memphis rapper Glorilla donates $20K to her former middle school

This is not the first time GloRilla has given back to her community and students. She donated $20,000 to Westside Middle School and $25,000 to MLK Prep Academy.

Principal Davis sent the superstar a letter prior to her appearance at the school, letting her know where and how her donation would be spent:

$5,000 will be used to purchase flexible, comfortable seating that includes allergen-free carpets along with decorations to create study areas for students to meet.$5,000 will be used to purchase updated learning software for the library computers to support student learning, research and overall productivity.$5,000.00 will be used to support student incentives called Glo Bucks. Students will have the opportunity to earn money every nine weeks for grades earned, attendance achievements and improved behavior.$5,000 will be used to support the GloRilla Mentorship Program. Participating students will be able to attend programs and field trips that will enhance their learning and overall wellness at Melrose High School. Students who participate in this program will have checkpoints that must be achieved. Monitored by our team and communicated with your team, at the end of the fall and spring semesters, students will have an opportunity to fellowship with you (via video appearance) to discuss the impact of the GloRilla Mentorship Program on their overall growth.$2,500 will be used to purchase materials to support the Melrose Clothes Closet. This includes the purchase of toiletries, undergarments and clothing items for students who are in need.$2,500 will be used within our Office of Family Engagement to develop programs and initiatives that support Melrose students and families to build a more solid community. Increasing community connections and support is what Melrose High School and the Orange Mound community will need to continue thriving.

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