Let’s face it, not everyone is cut out to be a teacher. Whether it’s kindergarten or high school, it takes a very unique person to keep kids interested while providing them with an education. While some people haven’t had a good experience in school, most teachers do an excellent job.
The subject doesn’t matter
Just like the grade level, the subject doesn’t matter as long as the teacher can engage with the students. But some classes are naturally more exciting than others. As a prime example, choir. For students who love music, especially singing, attending choir is the highlight of their day.
An exceptional teacher
For one group of students, not only did they love choir but also their teacher. Gabrielyn Watson wasn’t just a high school teacher who taught class to earn a paycheck. She genuinely loved what she did and all of the kids involved in choir. For that reason, she was special to her students.
Dealing with an illness
Unfortunately, Ms. Watson discovered she had cancer. For that reason, she had to take a leave of absence so she could get her health back on track. The good news…her treatment was successful. Unlike so many others, this choir teacher had beat cancer. That allowed her to go back to teaching her students.
Learning about the outcome
After Ms. Watson’s former students were told she’d survived, they were beyond thrilled. Considering they loved her so much, they wanted to do something collectively to show just how much she meant to them. So, they came up with an incredible plan.
A big surprise
One school day, this teacher arrived at Morgan Park High School in Chicago where she was still teaching. But this time, something was about to happen, something she never anticipated. The alum students were about to give her a surprise that would make everyone cry… tears of joy, of course.
Unsuspecting moment
Considering that some of the students hadn’t seen each other for 10 years, this day was extra special. Even so, the focus was on Ms. Watson. As she walked down the hallway toward the choir room, former students began showing up everywhere — behind doors, around corners, you name it. Seeing them, this teacher started to laugh and cry at the same time.
Feeling overwhelmed
Ms. Watson was overcome with emotion. But what the students did next touched her more than anything. They all began to sing Amazing Grace acapella. Together, the voices sounded like angels from Heaven. This teacher felt so loved and appreciated.
Sharing a message
Peter Frank, a former student, could be there in person but he recorded a video. He said, “I realized that I never really had a chance to let her know exactly how influential she was to my life.” Today, this man is an entertainer who lives in Los Angeles. But he was also a finalist on season 10 of American Idol.
But he wasn’t done
Mr. Frank went on to tell Ms. Watson that “Because of you, I’m everything I am today and I really want to thank you.” Come to find out, this choir teacher had changed the lives of just about every student she’s ever taught in one way or another.
A bright future
Due to Ms. Watson’s guidance and dedication, all of her students have incredible opportunities for the future. But she does, too. Currently, she’s in complete remission. Although her fight against Multiple Myeloma was tough, she’s doing fantastic. As she put it, “I never thought I’d see them all together like that, it’s just great to feel loved and that what you do matters.”
You can watch this beautiful performance by clicking on the video below. But before you do, you might want to grab a few tissues.
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