A Celtics player left TD Garden for the halls of a Boston high school on Tuesday to surprise the kids there.

Jayson Tatum didn’t just want to promote his candy company Small Wins at 10 Boston public schools on Halloween. He also wanted to do other things. The NBA player planned a nice treat for the kids at Hyde Park’s New Mission High School.

As Tatum spoke to a group of kids in the gym on Oct. 31, “I was just as excited as you were today to come see you guys,” he said. “It’s an honor and a pleasure to be here and be a part of this.”Tatum’s candy company showed a movie of the Celtics star talking about how important it is to work hard in school. Tatum didn’t think that was enough, so he went to make his point in person.

Tatum told MassLive in a video, “I want to cheer you guys on and love you.” “This may sound like a broken record, but I want everyone to pay attention.”The Celtics player used the chance to tell the kids to keep their eyes on their goals, work hard in school, and pay attention to their teachers.

“I had a dream when I was in school, and whatever that dream is, it starts here,” Tatum said. “I paid attention in class.” I paid attention to my teachers. What my mom said made sense, and it worked out. That’s why it’s important to pay attention, work hard at school, and make the right decisions, but also have fun. There was a surprise visit from Boston Mayor Michelle Wu. She said it was “the best surprise these students could ask for.”

She said on Tuesday, “Jayson was very kind to give us his time and really answered some questions. I think he inspired a lot of young people to work hard and dream big.”

The mayor also said that the surprise visit was meant to encourage students to keep up the good work and thank them for their hard work and attendance so far this school year.