Selma Middle CHAT Academy received a donation yesterday from someone who “adopted” the school this past year as his own.

Chris Samuels, former Alabama standout and current tackle for the Washington Redskins, made a visit CHAT to tour classrooms and present Principal Charlotte Griffin with a check for $2,000.

“I heard about the wonderful things they are doing here (at CHAT),” Samuels said. “At my school in Mobile, we never had any of the things they have here, like the dance classes and the TV station. Any time I can do something to help, I will.”

Last year, Samuels made a $1,000 donation to the school.

Samuels’ company, CRS Development, has invested $30 million in a project to build affordable, energy efficient housing on Tenth Street.

The Selma Gardens Development Project would eventually feature 63 homes, a community center, tennis courts, playgrounds and four different types of houses ranging from single-family, three-bedroom homes to three-story town homes.

“We have adopted CHAT Academy as our school and Selma as our town,” said Dr. Armstead Joyner, executive vice-president of CRS Development. “You are going to be seeing a lot of us.”

Griffin said she was grateful for Samuels’ contribution and interest in her school.

“I’m very proud of the attention Mr. Samuels has given to CHAT and what he is doing to try to help develop the school,” she said. “This money will go a long way for the boys and girls.”

During a short presentation in front of the school, Samuels also gave a $1,000 donation to the Selma Youth Development Center.

“Anytime someone gives you encouragement to continue to do the work, that encouragement means more than the donation itself,” said Frank Hardy, director of the Selma Youth Development Center. “It’s an honor to accept (this donation).”

Mayor James Perkins, who addressed CHAT students during the presentation, also had plenty for praise the work Samuels has been doing in Selma.

“A lot of planning and work has gone into the Selma Gardens Development,” Perkins said. “What he is doing today, he is doing for your future.”