SARASOTA COUNTY, Fla. (SNN) — Riverview High School’s homecoming wasn’t just about the football game. It was a heartwarming tribute to its teachers.
Seniors on the football team at Riverview High School had a grander vision for their homecoming festivities. It wasn’t just about touchdowns, but about expressing their appreciation for the teachers who have shaped their lives.
“I just want to send genuine appreciation and genuinely you impacted my life,” said one of the senior football players.
Following a pink-out pep rally, 34 seniors on the Riverview football team broke into groups and made their way to their favorite teachers’ classroom with heartfelt thank-you-letters, goodie-bags, and their jerseys in hand as part of Teacher Appreciation Day.
“Thank you guys for all the hard work you do, thank you guys for being people that prepare us for the world, that make us ready to go to college, ready to get a job, ready to do whatever we want to do and the challenges that they’ve helped us over come help us be prepared for anything,” said another senior member of the team.
Inside each goodie-bag were various gift cards and teachers got to wear their students’ jerseys for the day leading up to the homecoming game.
“It makes you realize maybe you’ve made the right choice in career. It was definitely exciting and I’m probably going to have a smile on my face the whole day,” said U.S. history teacher at RHS Elizabeth Gunio.
The idea took shape when a group of parents came together to brainstorm how the team could express gratitude for their mentors. They brought the idea to the Rams’ head football coach and he loved it.
“It is a thankless job. We just wanted to recognize them and let them know that we care about them and love them and appreciate the extra work they put in,” said head football coach at RHS Joshua Smithers.
“I love you buddy. I’m so proud of you,” said one teacher holding back tears as she and a senior team member embraced.
After seeing the reactions the teachers had, players on the team are determined to keep this tradition alive for years to come.
“I just hope that the people coming up next year can just make sure that they do it the right way and make sure they appreciate your teachers as much as we do,” said another team member.
On the big night, Riverview faced Clearwater Academy International (CAI) in their homecoming game. CAI defeated the Rams 35-33.
A special ceremony once again celebrated the teachers, who proudly sported their students’ jerseys.
