GloRilla Donates $25K To Melrose High School, Honored With Media Center Named After Her

Rising rap star GloRilla has proven that her roots remain deeply important to her as she continues her meteoric rise. This week, the Memphis-born rapper gave back to her alma mater, Melrose High School, in a major way by donating $25,000 to fund a brand-new media center. In honor of her generosity, the school announced that the new facility would bear her name, the Gloria H. Woods Media Center, but that doesn’t mean she forgot where she came from, as a $25,000 donation to her old high school this week showed.

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A Heartfelt Homecoming

On December 18, GloRilla returned to her high school, located in Memphis’ Orange Mound neighborhood, for a surprise visit that left students stunned. Speaking about the donation, she reflected on her own experiences at Melrose:

“So the fact that I have the ability to do it now, it warms my heart.”

Her contribution is intended to uplift current and future generations of Melrose students.

Breakdown of the Donation

School officials shared detailed plans for how the donation would be used, highlighting its transformative impact:

$5,000 for flexible, comfortable seating: Including allergen-free carpets and decor to create inviting study areas.
$5,000 for updated learning software: Enhancing library computers for improved student productivity and research.
$5,000 for “Glo Bucks” student incentives: A rewards program encouraging academic achievement, attendance, and behavior improvement.
$5,000 for the GloRilla Mentorship Program: Offering field trips, programs, and virtual check-ins with the rapper to inspire and support students.
$2,500 for the Melrose Clothes Closet: Providing essential items like toiletries and clothing for students in need.
$2,500 for family engagement programs: Strengthening ties between the school, families, and the community.

A Symbolic Gesture

During her visit, GloRilla posed for a photo in front of the school’s trophy case, recreating an image from her days as a Melrose student. She later shared the side-by-side comparison on Instagram, illustrating her incredible journey from a local student to a global superstar.

The rapper’s donation is more than a financial gesture—it’s an investment in her community. The Orange Mound neighborhood, historically significant as one of America’s first neighborhoods built by and for African Americans, continues to thrive thanks to contributions like GloRilla’s.

A Year of Milestones for GloRilla

2024 has been a breakout year for GloRilla, solidifying her as one of the hottest rappers of the year. Her single “TGIF” was named Best Song of the Year by Time magazine, standing out among tracks by icons like Beyoncé and Kendrick Lamar.

In its year-end review, Time praised the single for its empowering message and cultural impact, cementing GloRilla’s place as a voice for a new generation.

GloRilla’s donation to Melrose High School is a testament to her dedication to uplifting her community while inspiring young minds. The Gloria H. Woods Media Center will stand as a lasting legacy of her commitment to education and opportunity for students in Memphis.

By giving back to where it all started, GloRilla shows that success is not just about personal achievement—it’s about creating pathways for others to succeed.