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Lil Duval surprises students, staff during pep rally at Raines High School ahead of Saturday’s state title game

The surprise follows the comedian’s call to help the team, band make it to Miami

JACKSONVILLE, Fla. – During a pep rally Thursday at Raines High School, Lil Duval, a Jacksonville comedian and recording artist with a huge online following, surprised students and staff ahead of the football team’s 3A state title game in Miami on Saturday.

The comedian spoke with students and gave them words of encouragement, hyping them up before the biggest game of the year.

Related: Good luck, Vikings! News4JAX sends messages of support to Raines High School ahead of state championship in Miami | ‘I’ll pay the rest’: Jacksonville comedian Lil Duval offers to help Raines band travel to state title game

For those who don’t know, Lil Duval, whose real name is Roland Powell, attended Raines High School in 1993.

He posted a photo in his band uniform on social media and said, “I had to prove to people I really did go to Raines. My picture still hanging up in the band room 😂 (i was the only person that went to every school on the northside. Raines, Ribault, Jackson, and First Coast this why everybody thinks we grew up together. Cuz we did 😂)"

Lil Duval's band photo at Raines High School in 1993. He played the trumpet. (Copyright 2024 by WJXT News4JAX - All rights reserved.)

The surprise visit to his alma mater came after the comedian offered to help donate funds to support the school’s band travel to Miami for the 3A state title game at Pitbull Stadium against Miami Northwestern on Dec. 14.

The band had been attempting to raise money to follow the football team to Miami, and that’s when Lil Duval offered to help.

Lil Duval surprises students, staff during a pep rally at Raines High School ahead of Saturday’s state title game (Copyright 2024 by WJXT News4JAX - All rights reserved.)

According to an online fundraiser, the band was trying to raise $10,000, and Lil Duval took notice.

“Tell somebody over dere at Raines to call me. I’ll pay the rest‚” Lil Duval, whose given name is Roland Powell, posted on Threads on Tuesday with a screenshot showing the fundraiser $4,000 short of its goal.

Comedian Lil Duval offers to help Raines High School band. (Copyright 2024 by WJXT News4JAX - All rights reserved.)

Later, Raines High Athletic Director Joacquina Waters-Jones posted on Facebook that she spoke to the comedian.

“Quick update: I have spoken with Lil Duval! It was a great conversation and I appreciate his generosity and his support! Thanks to everyone who passed on the message!” Waters-Jones wrote.

The community appreciated Lil Duval’s support as he consistently contributes positively to Jacksonville.

Lil Duval is also known for hosting “Duval Day,” a community event that brings together artists and businesses. The event aims to support local businesses and bring the community together.

Good luck, Raines Vikings. Bring home the win!