Tom Holland visits the Campus School at Boston College
The Campus School at Boston College will be receiving new adaptive equipment and technology thanks to a $25k grant from The Brothers Trust, a nonprofit run by the family of actor Tom Holland, and on November 21, students and staff received a surprise visit from the Spider-Man superstar himself.
Holland, whose girlfriend Zendaya is shooting a film in Boston, spent several hours at the Campus School, which educates students ages 3-22 with extensive support needs. He spent time in each of the school’s six classrooms, talking with students and even jumping in on tambourine and vocals during a music therapy session.
“He couldn't have been more down to earth,” said Jennifer Miller, the Campus School’s marketing manager. “He was fully, fully engaged with our students—they were absolutely the priority—but he was so friendly towards the staff as well.”
Early Childhood student, Wesley, with Tom Holland and Campus School staff. Miiler: "The way he engaged with them was really quite beautiful."
Students who are nonverbal were able to greet Holland using assistive technology, pressing switches or utilizing eye gaze devices to introduce themselves and welcome him to campus. Not everyone was awed by his celebrity status, but what student doesn’t want to learn how to shoot spider webs from their wrists like a superhero?
“Every single student was engaged, they were vibing off the room for sure,” said Miller. “The way he engaged with them was really quite beautiful. He was just so natural and so caring.”
Jennifer Miller: "The way he engaged with them was really quite beautiful."
Since the Campus School was founded in 1970, hundreds of BC undergraduate and graduate students have walked through its doors every year as volunteers and teaching assistants. Last year, Miller received a call from a former volunteer’s mother, who knew the Holland family well. Through her recommendation, the Campus School applied for a grant from The Brothers Trust, which supports nonprofits that “struggle to be heard.” Last month, they were awarded a $25k grant, which will be used to purchase assistive technology as well as a ceiling lift for physical therapy exercises.
"We are so grateful to Tom Holland for taking the time to visit our small special needs school," said Campus School Interim Director Thomas Miller. "He participated in a music session, posed for photos, and fully immersed himself into our students' activities and their hearts."