This High School Tradition Is Bringing Millions To Tears - The Teachers' Reactions Are Everything

October 31, 2024

Here’s a school tradition everyone can rally behind!

At Taft High School in Cincinnati, football seniors have created a powerful way to honor the teachers who’ve made an impact on their lives.

football players give teachers their jersey
@austintgullett

Before their senior night game, these young athletes gift their jerseys to the teachers, staff, and administrators who’ve supported them along the way.

Athletic Director Austin Gullett shared a video of this heartfelt event on TikTok, and in just four days, it’s gone viral with over 10 million views.

football players give teachers their jersey
@austintgullett

Gullett captured the spirit of the tradition perfectly, saying, “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!”

football players give teachers their jersey
@austintgullett

The touching tribute has drawn comments from all over—including one from the NFL, simply saying, “crying.”

Many viewers echoed the sentiment, especially after watching the first teacher in the video.

"The pure joy in the first teachers reaction 'I was really hoping you would pick me.' Man I'm in tears.🥹🥹🥹" one commenter wrote.

Watch the full video below.

@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

This beautiful tradition is a testament to the gratitude these young men feel for their mentors and the positive influence teachers have far beyond the classroom.