Are you thinking of surprising someone for Christmas?
This season of giving always inspires us to share what we have with others, no matter how small we think it is. It makes it extra special if we surprise someone with a thoughtful gift. Oh, the smile (or even tears!) we see on their faces.
And what’s best than to surprise someone who has given a lot to others?
It would be nice to give back, right? There’s always someone in our neighborhood or community that goes the extra mile to help others. It’s inspiring to see how they still have something to give even when they are in dire need.
Just like this teacher in South Fremont High School.
Bonnie Warne is not your ordinary high school teacher. She has served the school for more than 30 years. She admitted she couldn’t keep count – somehow hinting to us that it’s been THAT long!
Bonnie is one dedicated teacher, and her work ethic proved that.
Her colleagues said she is always the first one in the school and the last one to leave. She was also responsible for writing multiple grants for whatever their students might need – a scholarship or their school’s facilities. What a selfless teacher, indeed!
To top all that, she also volunteers for their local shelter.
Bonnie has been a volunteer at Four Paws Pet Adoptions for years. She would take photos of cats that need a home and post it on her Facebook page. Talk about service to the entire community!
Still, Bonnie had her fair share of struggles despite all the good things she did.
One of which is her old car. She said she’s been driving it since the mid-90s and all those years to finish her degree. With all that wear and tear, she decided it was time to let the car go and look for a new one. The problem is she couldn’t afford even a secondhand car.
So, the “Secret Santa” asked the East Idaho News team to surprise Bonnie.
Segment host Nate Eaton led the entire team and visited South Fremont High School. It was the perfect opportunity since everyone was in the school gym for an assembly.
Nate went in and looked for Bonnie, and her co-teachers pointed at her right away.
Nate handed the first gift to Bonnie. She opened it and was surprised to see a $1,000 check inside. The first thing that came to her mind was what the school needed, and Nate jokingly reminded her that the gift was for herself and not the school. See how selfless she is?
But there was a bigger surprise waiting for her inside the second box.
It was the keys to her brand-new car! Everyone in the school was stoked to see what was waiting for their dear teacher outside. They ran with her and witnessed the grand reveal.
Bonnie went inside the car and gave it a little honk.
She couldn’t believe what had just happened, and she told the East Idaho News team that it meant a lot to her that her students were there to see it. She hoped this would inspire them to do good and help others, and it will be returned to them a thousand folds.