Madison Students' Fundraiser To Buy Custodian Jeep Honored By County Board

VIENNA, VA — A group of Madison High School students gained national attention last year for their selfless deed to raise funds for their school janitor's dream car. The students continued to receive praise with a proclamation from the Fairfax County Board of Supervisors on Tuesday.

The students surprised Madison High School custodian Francis Apraku, an immigrant from Ghana, with a red Jeep Wrangler in the back parking lot of the Vienna Inn in September 2024. That's after a fundraiser started in May 2024 generated more than $20,000 in donations. Andy Britt, father of one of the students, works at Ted Britt Ford and assisted them with the car purchase.

The Board of Supervisors' resolution presented Tuesday called the students' action "an act of kindness that has touched many hearts and exemplifies the power of compassion and collective effort and inspires others to embrace the spirit of giving and community support."

Logan Georgelas, one of the students organizing the fundraiser, recalled how they met Apraku in summer 2023 as they were starting football camp in their first year of high school.

"We quickly formed a strong connection with Francis, who radiated gratitude in every interaction, greeting us in hallways, celebrating victories and offering prayers before games," Georgelas told the board. "His warmth and welcoming spirit made a significant impact on us."

Once the football season ended and training for next season began, the students often encountered Apraku in the hallways. Georgelas said Apraku shared stories about growing up in Ghana and his "pride in achieving the American dream."

When the students asked Apraku what he wanted for his birthday, the custodian shared his dream of owning a Jeep Wrangler with a tire on the back. The same night, the students started their GoFundMe fundraiser to buy the car for Apraku.

The students were shocked when the fundraiser earned $15,000 within two days. Over the next few months, Georgelas said they worked to acquire the Jeep and get it ready for the big surprise.
On Sept. 9, Georgelas' father drove Apraku from the school to the Vienna Inn, where the students waited with the red Jeep Wrangler. When Apraku caught sight of the vehicle, he was initially confused. Then, he was in disbelief.

"He fell to the ground, overwhelmed by the realization that he had received the vehicle of his dreams," said Georgelas. "With gratitude pouring out of him, Francis praised the Lord as he collected himself. He then climbed into his new Jeep and shared with the surrounding news cameras the importance of showing respect and how far it can take you."

Supervisor Walter Alcorn (D-Hunter Mill), who represents the Town of Vienna on the board, said the students "knocked it out of the park" on the fundraiser's visibility.

"We all appreciate it when we see those acts of kindness, but to have the whole world see it was really meaningful," said Alcorn.

Board of Supervisors Chairman Jeff McKay said custodians are the people most known by everyone in the schools his kids attend. He thanked the students for doing something positive and for recognizing the custodian's work.

"I think we all had tears of joy, not only for our young people, but also for him, because there are few people who work as hard in our school system as our custodial staff," said McKay.

The story continued to go viral for at least a month, which Georgelas said reminded everyone of the power of kindness and respect. Georgelas thanked the board for the proclamation as well as support for the fundraiser from the Vienna VA Foodies Facebook group, Ted Britt Ford, news media and the community.