March 19, 2007 

CHICAGO -- Miami Heat All-Star point guard Dwayne Wade came back to his old school on Monday to give students at his alma mater a surprise.

Wade, who grew up in south suburban Robbins, spoke to Richards High School students and faculty via videoconference, and announced that the high school gym would get a face-lift, NBC5's Paula Faris reported. The gym will get a new scoreboard, a new sound system, a new projection system and renovated bleachers. The gym floor will be renamed in Wade's honor.

"I'm just excited to be able to make a difference, you know," Wade said. "To do something that I've always dreamed of doing, and that's giving back as much as possible by giving back to places, where, you know, I grew up and places where my heart is at."

It's more than $150,000 worth of donations, Faris reported.

Students were also treated to two Chicago stars -- Oscar winner Jennifer Hudson, who then introduced rap artist Kanye West, who performed for the screaming student body.

"I'm glad I came to school!" said one girl. "I am so glad I came to school!"