Educators are vital pillars of our community, yet their contributions are often underestimated. It takes a special person to dedicate themselves to teaching, mentoring and motivating young minds.
Jonathan Oliver, a physical education teacher at WG Nunn Elementary in Valdosta, Georgia, is one example of this commitment. He recently earned recognition for a touching moment of kindness during a children’s basketball game.
When kindergarten teacher Kristen Paulk asked for help with her ponytail, Oliver didn’t hesitate. He knelt on a basketball to be at eye level with her and carefully tied her pigtails to make sure her hair didn’t fall into her face. This tender gesture, captured on video, was shared on YouTube by Kandice Anderson, a fellow teacher
The video, aptly titled “When Your Job Goes Beyond Teaching!” quickly went viral and captured the hearts of many. It eventually caught the attention of Good Morning America, which interviewed the 34-year-old father of three.
“I was surprised by the attention because that’s exactly what we do,” Oliver told Good Morning America, unaware of the recording. “We want students to feel at home and loved. For me, wearing a ponytail just helped.”
Oliver mentioned that while Kristen’s request was for a ponytail, his hairstyling expertise was otherwise quite limited. “If she had asked for something else, I would have said, ‘You better ask your mom,’” he joked.
Kristen’s mother, Miyah Cleckley, expressed her appreciation for Oliver’s gesture. “I always know that Kristen is in excellent hands with him. It was especially touching because my husband helps us a lot with our daughters’ hair, as we have five girls and a son.”
There are many stories of teachers going the extra mile, and Jonathan Oliver’s story is a beautiful example of everyday heroes in education.
We would love to hear your thoughts on this touching story, share them in the comments!
Rosie O’Donnell’s Son Marries ‘The Love of His Life’ at Charming Wedding in Front of Family: Photos
Blake Christopher O’Donnell and Teresa Garofalow Westervelt tied the knot in a stunning ceremony on August 16, 2024. Surrounded by family and friends, the couple exchanged vows in a celebration that was nothing short of magical.
Rosie O’Donnell, Blake’s proud mom, shared her joy on social media, posting heartwarming photos from the day. “Awwww… #newlyweds –\Blake and Teresa O’Donnell #loveuso,” she captioned one image of the couple gazing lovingly at each other.
The wedding was filled with special moments, including Anne Steele, Blake’s stepmother, singing her original song “Timeless” for the couple’s first dance. “It was my honor to sing…I will never forget it,” Anne shared in her post.
The reception was a lively affair, with guests dancing the night away on a smoke-machine-infused dance floor. Teresa, later changing into a different dress and sneakers, and Blake were seen jumping by the DJ booth as sparkles lit up the scene.
Rosie also posted a touching tribute to her late mother, Roseanne O’Donnell, with a “memory table” at the wedding, commemorating loved ones who couldn’t be there.
We extend our heartfelt congratulations to the beautiful couple and wish them everlasting love and happiness!
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