Jimmy Kimmel surprises Compton teachers with trip to Hawaii

COMPTON, Calif. (KABC) -- ABC's late-night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel surprised teachers from a Compton middle school with a generous donation - a trip to Hawaii!

Whaley Middle School teachers Josh Weiss and Edward Boynton thought they were making a fundraising online video. What they didn't know was, it was all set up by the "Jimmy Kimmel Live" host.

"We heard you need some stuff for your school, so we teamed up with Chevy to give it to you," Kimmel told the teachers.

According to the school, the donation from Kimmel and Chevy includes $17,000 for supplies and a special trip for school faculty.

"We are going to Hawaii and that means that someone cares about the hard work the teachers are doing for students to try to develop their minds," said Boynton, who teaches math.

"We're in the business of educating children and that's really truly what we are here for," said Dr. Candice Waters, the school's principal. "I don't think it could have happened to a better staff. My teachers are so very, very deserving. I can't say that enough."

Many students coming from underprivileged homes say they are relieved much needed help is coming their way.

"We need to buy most of the supplies because we don't really have them, and it's really hard," said Annie Rivera, a student.

"A lot of these kids, they look forward to coming to school, and it's kind of a safe place away from wherever their ordinary life might have them be. I think they feel safe here and that's important," said Weiss, who teaches science.

School officials say thanks to the generous gift from Chevy and Kimmel, the school can now focus even harder on helping every student succeed in the classroom.

The teachers plan to take their special vacation to Hawaii this summer.