Kevin Hart makes surprise visit to Booker T. Washington High School

DALLAS — Juniors and seniors at Booker T. Washington for the Performing and Visual Arts got a shock on Wednesday, Sept. 12.

Dr. Scott Rudes, who has served as the school’s principal the past five years, announced he had an opportunity too good to pass up and was resigning. With the district’s help, he said, an interim principal had been found: actor Kevin Hart.

The students erupted with excitement – understanding Rudes’ ruse – to welcome the actor and comedian. For his part, Hart promised chicken nuggets every day, 15-minute school days that start at noon and then said he’d bring school uniforms to the campus. That’s when Rudes intervened and took back his badge, walkie talkie and desk nameplate. Modifying the arts school’s discipline-specific and sometimes expressive dress code was apparently the last straw.

Hart, along with movie producer Will Packer, encouraged students who aspire to find show-biz success to keep striving, work hard and continue believing in themselves. “You are the only one who knows your talent,” Hart said.

When starting out in the business, he said, there are a lot of people along the way who will say no. “Keep looking for that ‘yes’,” Hart challenged students. “You are the future of creativity. You guys are next up.”