The students received free sneakers, surprising many as they laced them up for the first time on campus. About 2,400 pairs were distributed in a variety of color combinations, ranging from black and blue to red.
The donation was made possible through a connection with Jonathan Clark, a teacher and coach at Bullard High who has participated in dunk competitions for years.
Last fall, Clark competed in the "Dunkman" contest, where he caught O'Neal's attention.
"Shaq kind of saw my personality. He saw my presence as a teacher in what I do," Clark said.
Clark said he has worked alongside O'Neal at several events and has witnessed his generosity firsthand. That connection ultimately led O'Neal to send sneakers to students at the school.
"When I heard I was getting free shoes, I was like 'Wait, is this real?' I thought someone was lying to us but then knowing it was real, it was awesome," said senior Trinity Cunningham.
Clark said the donation meets a real need for some students.
"We have students who won't dress out, not because they don't care, but because of a lack of funding. To have students now have shoes and say, 'I have shoes I can wear to PE,' as a PE teacher, that makes me fired up," he said.
Students also recognized the impact of the gift on their peers.
"Some people can't afford shoes and this is just a really good opportunity for people who can't do it to bring them," said sophomore Victor Leyva.
Bullard High School Principal Armen Torigian expressed gratitude for the donation.
"Thank you. Thank you for being so humbling. Thank you for giving us these shoes and supporting our students," Torigian said.
School administrators said half of the student body received shoes on Wednesday. The remaining pairs are set to be handed out on Thursday. They also said there is a standing invitation for O'Neal to visit the campus in the future.
For students at Bullard High, the donation provided more than just footwear - it offered support and opportunity, one pair at a time.
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