JACKSONVILLE, Fla. — We have some great news to share. As you may know, First Coast News is in a partnership with Andrew Jackson High School, a Duval County school that's overcoming a troubled past.
Back in August, we showed you the school's weight room. It was in bad shape with old equipment. The floor tiles were broken, floor mats and bench cushions ripped, and the machines were rusted. But, one man in our community saw the story and decided he had to do something about it.
"I see the story and I'm like wow...we need to do something for that school," Carl Walker said.
Walker works for CSX, one of the largest companies in Jacksonville. He convinced his coworkers to help with the project. Mary Beth Torres found treadmills and machines CSX was no longer using and worked with the school on how to make the best use of their space.
"You have an initial thought and then the finished product is better than I anticipated when I initially came in," Mary Beth Torres added.
Now, three rooms at the high school have gym equipment provided by CSX. Students athletes appreciate Carl Walker and CSX's kind deed.
"He probably don't know my name. But, he put in the time, effort, and money to bless me to help me become a better basketball player and person," Brandon Fleming said.
"That means a lot to me. Just makes me want to go out and do better for not only me, but for the people who are looking out for me," Davin Daniels added.