Staffer Who 'Made A Huge Impact' At School Awarded Free Car After Walking To Work

COLUMBIA, MD — A staff member at Lake Elkhorn Middle School in Howard County received a jaw-dropping surprise shortly before the school year started.

With faculty and staff gathered outside the middle school building, Principal Brian Wallace announced that school staffer Jalen Swain, who is listed on the school's staff website page as a substitute, would be receiving a vehicle during the surprise car giveaway at the back-to-school event.

"Jalen served our school community last year as a building sub and then as a long-term sub ... has created positive relationships with kids and staff, and has made a huge impact on our school community," Wallace said during the giveaway.

When the crowd gathered for the giveaway parted and Swain saw the vehicle adorned with a huge red bow waiting for him, all he could muster through his shock was an "Oh wow! Thank you!"

Swain told everyone at the back to school celebration and surprise car giveaway that he either walks or hitches rides with coworkers to school every single day. Then he called his mom to give her the good news. Swain shared on Instagram that he endured a major accident two years ago that dismantled his life and sent him spiraling into darkness. But he pulled through after he pushed the reset button.

"I ended up at Lake Elkhorn Middle School as support staff for the 2024-2025 school year and threw myself into the environment and community. Walking and carpooling and hustling, trying to show up fully authentic to serve people and rebuild my spirit. Keeping your head down and doing your best. The connections and community gained at LEMS was personally cleansing and inspiring. Never did I think or believed that I deserved anything close to these recognitions and donations. I am eternally grateful to the LEMS staff and Howard County community," Swain wrote.

Swain also shared that he will be teaching health education at Wilde Lake Middle School and running the Color Guard program there.

Vehicles for Change, based in Halethorpe, is a nonprofit dedicated to empowering families facing financial challenges through access to reliable transportation and career training in automotive repair.