When Jazz Chisholm Jr. stepped into the auditorium at Community School 55, the reaction sounded more like a walk-off homer than a weekday assembly.
Rows of Bronx kids jumped to their feet, yelling and waving as the New York Yankees infielder made his way down the aisle. Phones came out. Teachers tried to keep order.
It didn’t really work.
The visit wasn’t just a pop-in or a quick photo op. Chisholm and his Jazz Chisholm Foundation unveiled a fully rebuilt computer lab for the school — a space designed for both learning and a little fun.
Behind a set of doors upstairs sat 25 touchscreen laptops, a large interactive display for group lessons, and updated tools aimed at helping students prep for exams and explore STEM projects. The room also includes a PlayStation for supervised downtime. Each student attending the event left with a fresh pair of Jordan sneakers.
Before the ribbon was cut, Chisholm explained why the moment mattered.
“It’s always about giving back to the future,” he told On New Jersey. “I was raised in public school. I’m a kid from the hood that didn’t really get as much opportunity as anybody else. I just made the best of what I had.”
The project was funded in part through the foundation’s Tunnel Fits & Kicks fashion event, which raised more than $200,000. According to Chisholm, his relationship with the school has grown over several years, evolving from simple visits to something more hands-on.
“I really enjoy coming here and hanging out with the kids,” he said. “Every time I walk in, it feels like I belong here.”
Principal Luis Torres thanked Chisholm during the assembly and presented him with a Certificate of Merit from the borough president. Torres described the All-Star as family, noting they stay in touch regularly and work together on ways to support students.
The event also drew longtime Yankees executive Ray Negron and former WNBA player Mischa Butler, founder of S.T.E.A.M. Champs.
After the ceremony, the school orchestra performed while students crowded into the new lab to test out the equipment.
“I love seeing the kids smile,” Chisholm said. “We read books, we talk, we have fun. That’s what it’s about.”