Video of high school athletes honoring their favorite mentor shows why teachers will always be the MVP
A high school’s heartfelt Senior Day tribute to teachers touched millions, as students honored staff who impacted them deeply, leaving viewers in tears.
It is a widely perceived notion that the educators we meet during our early school days leave a major impact on how we see the world around us. That is why they are celebrated for playing such an important role in shaping the lives of students, year after year. A unique and heartwarming tradition to honor such inspiring teachers was observed at Taft High School in Cincinnati, as per a video shared on TikTok by its athletic director, Austin Gullett (@austintgullett). Ahead of their Senior Day, the soon-to-be college-goers chose the best possible way to make the occasion special for the staff who selflessly work tirelessly at the educational institute.
The seniors on the school’s football team, who are about to graduate later this year, each chose a staff member for the surprise. It could be anyone – a teacher, administrator, security guard, or caretaker. All that mattered to them was the positive learning experience or inspiration the staff member extended to the students, impacting their lives. “In honor of Senior Day tomorrow, our senior football players chose one staff member who has had a positive impact on their life to wear their jersey to the game tomorrow afternoon,” the caption alongside the footage read.
The video showed each senior football player approaching their chosen staff member and handing them their personalized jerseys. “Every day we come to work is an opportunity to make an impact, and these staff members have changed these young men’s lives for the better!” Austin, who is also a podcaster, explained. The footage began with a student honoring his teacher, leaving her with one of the most memorable moments of her career.
“I knew you’d do something special,” the excited and joyful educator said multiple times as she hugged her student. Following this, the second educator, sitting in the staff room, almost came to tears when presented with the jersey. The bond and love continued to grow through these emotional reunions, with both the teachers and students aware it might be their final moment together in this way.
The two-minute-and-thirty-one-second video also showed a staff member seeking approval from the student to wear the jersey for the upcoming football game. Furthermore, all the jerseys had unique, personalized numbers on them. The tradition started by Taft High School’s seniors is winning hearts online, with the footage amassing over 10 million views in just four days.
Among the reactions, the NFL was one of many who commented on the heartfelt tribute, simply stating that it led to “crying.” @dabears0322 added, “The third one was incredibly touching. You could see he genuinely wanted to hug him but wasn’t quite sure! I’m literally in tears before work—this was absolutely beautiful.” “I’m genuinely moved to tears. Teachers are so underappreciated. I love this for both the teachers and students,” @therealtorvee echoed the sentiment. @catalinabarrera7 shared, “My mom is a cafeteria manager at a middle school. They did this with the volleyball team, and one of the girls chose my mom and wrote her a letter inviting her to the game, where she would be recognized.”
@austintgullett In honor of Senior Day tomorrow, our senior football players chose one staff member who has had a positive impact on their life to wear their jersey to the game tomorrow afternoon. From security to teacher to administrators, no matter the title you hold, you never know who you can make an impact on. Every day we come to work is an opportunity to make an impact & these staff members have changed these young men’s lives for the better! WE ARE TAFT!!! 💚💛 #SeniorNight #Jersey #teacherappreciation #wholesome ♬ Emotional - Bang Nono
You can follow Austin Gullett (@austintgullett) on TikTok for educational and sports-related content.
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