The kids at Mary McLeod Bethune Middle School had quite the pep rally today.
Supermodel and media mogul Tyra Banks and Power 106 surprised the students as a reward for their excellent attendance record.
Taking part in the Get Schooled Foundation's nationwide attendance challenge, the Mustangs raised their attendance by 2 percent in two weeks.
“That high school diploma is super, duper important,” Banks said.
A few kids got to ask her a question and all of them got a copy of her book, "Modelland” -- a young adult fantasy novel about an awkward teenage girl. Banks says she can relate to young folks.
“I feel like I have a connection to young adults, teens -- just young people in general,” said Banks. “It's a natural place for me. I feel like there is a teenage girl inside of me.”
One seventh grader says he hasn't missed a day of school this year and that getting a visit from the superstar encourages him to keep doing his best.
“I want to learn and do my homework and get good grades here and go to college,” said Cristobal Beltran.
Banks says she knows kids don't always listen to grown-ups.
“So I am here to tell this to these kids because sometimes the parents and the teachers and the principal mean well, but sometimes young folks don't listen so much to those people,” Banks said. “Hopefully they'll listen to me."
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