Teachers are incredibly important in our community, but they are often not appreciated enough.
It takes a special person to commit their life to educating others, being role models, offering guidance, and mentoring younger generations.
We often hear stories of teachers going the extra mile to help their students and make a difference in their lives.
One hero is Jonathan Oliver, a phys-ed teacher at WG Nunn Elementary in Valdosta, Georgia. He was praised for his kindness toward a kindergartener during a basketball game.
When Kristen Paulk, a kindergartener on Oliver’s basketball team, asked him to help tie her hair into a ponytail, he gladly assisted her right away.
Jonathan Oliver knelt on a basketball court to reach Kristen’s height and focused on tying her braids back. He didn’t realize he was being recorded.
Kandice Anderson, another teacher at the school, filmed his kind act and posted it on YouTube. The video quickly gained public support.
The viral video was titled: “When your job means more than just teaching!”
The video eventually reached Good Morning America, who reached out to Jonathan Oliver, a 34-year-old father of three, for an interview.
“It was surprising to me that it got so much attention because we all do things like that,” Oliver told Good Morning America. He also mentioned that he didn’t know he was being recorded at the time.
“We want our students to feel comfortable and happy at school,” he added. “We try to show them as much love as we can. For me, it was just helping with a ponytail.”
The kind coach explained that Kristen had asked him to help tie her hair during a basketball game. However, he admitted that his skills in hairstyling are limited, even though he often helps his daughter with her hair.
“It’s a good thing she asked for a ponytail. For anything else, I’d say, ‘You better ask your mom,’” he joked.
Kristen’s mom, Miyah Cleckley, shared with the outlet that the video deeply moved her. She said, “I always feel confident knowing Kristen is in good hands with him. I thought it was really sweet because her dad usually does their hair. We have five daughters and one son, so when I’m busy, he takes on the responsibility of doing their hair.”
This story is just one of many examples of teachers going above and beyond for their students. They really are heroes!
What did you think of this sweet story? Let us know in the comments!
