High School Swim Team Pays Off Beloved Custodian's Medical Debt

J.J. Pearce High School students raise over $17,000 to help their custodian after he spent months in the hospital.

Published on Feb. 25, 2026

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A high school swim team in Richardson, Texas raised nearly $20,000 to help their beloved school custodian Van Le, who spent months in the hospital with serious health problems and racked up medical bills. The students organized a swim-a-thon and were able to cover all of Le's hospital bills, as well as surprise him with a new car and bike to help with his long commute.

Why it matters

The heartwarming story highlights the compassion and community spirit of the high school students, who came together to support a staff member in need. It also underscores the financial burden that medical emergencies can place on working families, and the difference a caring community can make.

The details

J.J. Pearce High School custodian Van Le spent several months in the hospital due to serious health issues, leaving him unable to work and accumulating significant medical bills. When the school's swim team learned of Le's situation, they organized a swim-a-thon fundraiser, with each lap they swam going towards supporting Le. The students exceeded their goal, raising over $17,000 which was enough to cover all of Le's hospital expenses. They also surprised him with a new car and bike to help with his long commute to work.

  • Van Le spent the past few months in the hospital, unable to work.
  • The swim-a-thon fundraiser was held recently.

The players

Van Le

The beloved custodian at J.J. Pearce High School who spent months in the hospital due to serious health problems.

J.J. Pearce High School Swim Team

A group of high school students who organized a swim-a-thon fundraiser to help pay off their custodian's medical debt.

Sophia Nidam

A junior at J.J. Pearce High School who described the custodian Van Le as "the nicest guy ever".

Eric Ewing

The swim coach at J.J. Pearce High School who supported the students' fundraising efforts.

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What they’re saying

“He's the nicest guy ever. If you see him in the hallway, he'll give you a high five or a hug, and he's just so sweet.”

— Sophia Nidam, Junior, J.J. Pearce High School (KTVT)

“We want to change a life, and we want to do things that will help other people.”

— Eric Ewing, Swim Coach, J.J. Pearce High School (KTVT)

“I think it's very surprise for me. A big thank you for everybody, for the professors, for all the teachers and all the students.”

— Van Le (KTVT)

What’s next

The school community plans to continue supporting Van Le as he recovers and works towards becoming a U.S. citizen.

The takeaway

This heartwarming story showcases the power of community and the difference a group of compassionate high school students can make in supporting a staff member in need. It serves as an inspiring example of how teamwork and generosity can positively impact someone's life.