We all have items that are special to us, such as a favorite pair of pajamas or a bracelet. But what happens if you lose your prized possession? Something inside you shatters.
Trey Payne, a teacher at Logan Fontenelle Middle School, also held a pair of basketball shoes close to his heart, according to Bellevue Public Schools. The pair was a good one, but unfortunately it was stolen from his classroom. Students empathized with the teacher and understood how devastated he was by the loss. As a result, they devised a heartfelt plan to cheer him up.
A student named Jasmin (@seasturtles420) posted a TikTok video detailing their plan of action for their favorite teacher. They were unable to recover the stolen pair or determine who committed the robbery. They did, however, create something amazing.
The students surrounded Payne in the classroom and presented him with a note and bag. The teacher, perplexed as to what this unexpected gift could be, looked at them distorted.
He read the card but remained aloof about what was inside the bag. He was nervous as excited students recorded and waited for him to open the bag. As soon as he looked into it, he noticed a shoe box.
“The students pooled their money and bought their teacher a brand new pair to replace the ones that had been stolen. According to the Facebook post, the students were upset that it happened and wanted to help.
Payne burst into tears as soon as he realized the gift was a shoebox. He looked around in disbelief, unable to understand the gesture. As the excited students urged him to open it, he was overcome with emotion when he saw the bright, new pair of shoes. Unable to control himself, he set the box aside, covered his eyes, and broke down.
The students immediately became emotional with their teacher and huddled closer. A girl exclaimed, “Group hug,” as she saw her teacher unable to hold back tears and give him the biggest supportive hug.
Payne stated that the gesture overwhelmed him more than anything. He said, “It is more than just a pair of shoes; it is about doing things to help everyone around you.” I try to teach my children this, and I believe the lesson has stuck with many of them, reinforcing my purpose and ideals.”
The post also revealed the names of the students who worked tirelessly to ensure the memorable gift was delivered successfully. “Way to go…”Emma Mitchell, Carlo Kemper, Miguel Caceres, Elicia Fenner, Ka’Maiya Hunt, Jacob Perrin, Mia McVay, Braylen Hurley, Colin Osborn, Therese Chandler, Michaela Miller, Pressly Schoenherr, Cyrus Cheshier, and teacher Mr. Rob Lavalleur,” the post stated.
https://www.facebook.com/BellevuePublicSchools?fref=nf&ref=embed_post
@de2.net said, “That reaction is priceless.” @lip.sync.queen added, “You have no idea how that makes a teacher feel. He was extremely proud of them.” @jusscico commented, “The whole class deserves an A.” @lmaotbhidkeither stated, “He is not my teacher. “I did not know him, but he still made me cry.” @veryoldrat commented, “Mr. Payne was my all-time favorite teacher. He totally deserved what you guys did.”