Rihanna is apologizing to the students and staff of Barrington High School with a check for $5,000 after showing up late for a special appearance back in March. The money donated by the superstar is set to counterbalance the costs of her unpunctual visit.

The Barbados-born singer was scheduled to arrive at the institution at 1 p.m. but failed to show until after 5 p.m., blaming the Chicago traffic in a tweet. It was then reported that she proceeded to stay for a maximum of 15 minutes before heading out the door.

According to Billboard, the “We Found Love” singer traveled to Chicago’s northwestern suburbs after Barrington High School won her “Shine Bright Like a Diamond” video contest. The students shot a five-minute film short highlighting the school’s volunteer and community service efforts.

Students were awarded free concert tickets, CDs and signed Rihanna merchandise in lieu of Rih Rih’s tardiness.

Billboard reports that whatever cash is leftover will be allocated for the students of the school.

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(Photo: Will Alexander/Stuart Castle/WENN.com)