A Simple Idea That Sparked a Movement
It all began with a simple but brilliant idea: any kid who walked into Zack’s Finest Deli & Grocery in Staten Island, New York with good grades could get anything they wanted from the store. Wail Alselwi, a co-partner of the deli, often livestreams while working behind the counter. Known online as “Island Ock”, he has become a favorite among kids who eagerly show him their report cards.
The First Challenge: A Bet With a 12-Year-Old
In 2023, the idea took shape when a 12-year-old boy named Zameir Davis proudly shared his grades with Wail. Around the same time, Wail launched a TikTok page featuring funny videos and clips of him cooking at the deli. He would also occasionally quiz kids on math and geography.
Seeing Zameir’s excitement, Wail made him a promise: if he earned a 90% average and made the honor roll, he could choose anything from the store.
“We shook hands, and two days later, Zameir came with his report card. He did good but didn’t make it. I had a bet with him and said, ‘If you make it to the honor roll, I’ll give you whatever you want from the store,’” Wail told Stay Inspired.
Zameir continued updating him daily after school. At first, he missed the mark, but by the end of the year, he finally achieved honor-roll status. He ran into the store shouting, “I told you I was going to do it!” The emotional moment was filmed and quickly went viral, launching what would become the “Grades for Grabs” movement.
More Students Join the Challenge
After the viral moment, Wail realized he could motivate more kids. Students from Staten Island and beyond — even from Brooklyn and Pennsylvania, began visiting the deli to show him their report cards. Wail made similar deals with them: achieve good grades, and they could pick anything from the store.
At first, he funded everything himself, determined to inspire his community’s youth.
A GoFundMe Raises Over $330,000
On March 22, 2025, Wail’s brother Nashwan created a GoFundMe page as many people wanted to support the initiative.
By November 2025, the fundraiser had collected more than $330,000 from 7,100 donors.
The funds now provide:
- free snacks for students who improve their grades
- cash prizes to motivate high academic achievement
- community programs that make learning fun and rewarding
“It’s not just about giving $100 or free snacks. The kids get inspired more when they see themselves in the videos. They see themselves being acknowledged by a lot of people”, Wail told Stay Inspired.
Students Inspired to Excel
One such student is 17-year-old Madison Mayas. After previously scoring 98.0%, Wail challenged her to do even better, and she returned with a perfect 100.0%.
Another student, 11-year-old Russell Vinson, proudly showed Wail his 92.67% average. Wail gave him $100 and told him he could pick anything he wanted in the store. Many viewers noticed that several students chose essential items for their families, such as milk, eggs, and laundry detergent.
A Hall of Fame for Hard-Working Kids
Wail even transformed a wall outside the deli into a “Hall of Fame Wall”. The first name placed there was Zameir Davis, followed by Madison, Russell, and Daisy.
Students who earn a 90+ average receive $100. But Wail also rewards improvement: if a student raises a failing grade to a 70 or 80, they still get $100.
Wail’s Journey and the Inspiration Behind His Kindness
Before opening Zack’s Finest Deli & Grocery, Wail ran a deli in the Bronx from 2019 to 2022. The neighborhood had high crime rates, and a shooting occurred at the deli, one he survived unharmed. When the pandemic hit in 2020, the deli closed. Discouraged, Wail considered giving up, but his brother Nashwan pushed him to try again. Together, they moved to Staten Island and opened a new deli with their partner Zack.
Wail, originally from Yemen, is 36 years old. He has a wife and three daughters back home. He visits them during vacations and hopes to bring them to New York. He also monitors his daughters’ grades closely and posts videos celebrating their achievements.
His kindness, he says, comes from his father, Mohammed Alselwi. “I couldn’t be prouder of Wail”, Mohammed said. “He’s taken his passion for helping others and turned it into something amazing. He’s showing the world what it means to be a true leader and a positive influence in his community.”
“I’m showing every kid that it’s not about perfection. It’s about progress. The smiles on the kids’ faces, their determination… that’s what makes me want to keep going”, Wail said.