Third-grade teacher keeps promise, attends former student's graduation: ‘We need to show them that we care’
An elementary school teacher promised students in her third-grade class that she’d show up to their high school graduation if they invited her. 9 years later, she kept her word, thanks to one student who wanted her in attendance when he received his diploma.
Brooks Nipps, a senior at Brooks DeBartolo Collegiate High School in Tampa, Fla., invited his third-grade teacher Jessica Gainer to his high school graduation. He was was thrilled when she showed up for the celebration on May 23.
“It was just an amazing feeling, seeing her at my graduation and knowing that she can keep her promises,” Nipps told FOX13.
Gainer told the outlet she made the declaration to her class because she believes that it’s important to show young students that they matter and are loved.
“We are humans, sometimes we say things and we don’t stick to it,” Gainer told FOX13. “But for children, we need to show them that we care and support them, and when we say something, we mean it.”
Nipps’ mother said how much she appreciated Gainer keeping her word.
"She's just a wonderful teacher and it’s awesome and amazing that she kept her promise to these kids. It means a lot," she told FOX13.
While this gesture was special, Nipps shared that Gainer has been an important part of his life beyond just elementary school.
“Thank you for being a great teacher over the years, and a great friend over the years for me” he toldFOX13. “Thank you for encouraging me to get my degree.”
Nipps graduated from high school, and also simultaneously completed his Associate in Arts degree from Hillsborough Community College. He plans to attend the University of South Florida this fall to study marketing, FOX13 reported.
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