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Principal Writes 443 Handwritten Letters And Gives A Dollar To Each Graduate

June 5, 2025

At Summit High School in Mansfield, Texas, graduating seniors received more than just a diploma this year—they received a powerful lesson in kindness.

Jason Mutterer with his wife and kids

Principal Jason Mutterer, affectionately known by students as “Coach Mutt,” went above and beyond by personally writing 443 handwritten letters, one for each graduating senior in the Class of 2025. Along with each heartfelt note, he included a single dollar bill, symbolizing the power of even the smallest acts of kindness.

Though a dollar may seem modest, Mutterer wanted his gesture to carry a bigger message.

“I've done a small act of kindness by providing each of you with a handwritten letter and a dollar,” he said during the graduation ceremony, turning his back to the crowd to speak directly to the students. “But 443 random acts of kindness can start a ripple of positivity and an impactful change.”

The personal letters and dollar bills took him more than 24 hours to complete, but to Mutterer, it was time well spent. His goal: to show his students that individual kindness matters, and that collective compassion can create meaningful change in the world.

Having spent all 23 years of his education career at Summit High—starting as a teacher and coach before becoming principal—Mutterer’s parting gift to his students was more than a farewell. It was a challenge: to go out into the world and pay it forward.