A Manatee County school is paying its students for making good grades.

On Thursday, during an awards ceremony at Team Success Charter School in Bradenton, students were given $20,000 in cash for earning high FCAT scores.

“We went from an F school to an A in two years,” said Fred Spence, CEO of Team Success.  “We just got a B++, and the future is just bright here at Team Success.”

Spence said he wants students to know hard work really does pay off. He also wants them to stay motivated.

“We feel kids need to be recognized and celebrated in a way America celebrates athletes, but we do it for academics,” said Spence.

The money is not being used for school supplies or projects, it’s going directly to the students.

Fourth grader, Ana Reyes, 9, earned a perfect FCAT score.

She received $500.

“I was crying when I found out,” said Reyes. 

Sixth grader, Alejandro Guerrero, 11, also earned a perfect score.

He won $600.

“I really appreciate it from the school and the academics it provides us," said Guerrero.

He already has plans for the cash.

“Maybe buy some books because I’m really into reading,” said Guerrero.

It’s a reward that’s possible thanks to Dr. Douglas Colkitt, a cancer specialist in Sarasota, who donated the money to the school.

“This is the future,” said Colkitt. “These are the children that will be running things for this country as we get older. It’s very important that they are educated and motivated.”

Colkitt said he plans on giving money again in the future, as long as the students keep succeeding.