When Jeff Swicegood’s students noticed their teacher was struggling, they stepped in with a simple gift. See the emotional moment that is touching hearts everywhere.
When we think we are alone in our struggles, God often reminds us that He’s with us and He cares for us. It may be through kind words from a stranger or a simple act of kindness from our beloved ones.
In this story, we see how God showed His love to a heartbroken teacher through his high school students.
Jeff teaches senior English at Providence High School in Charlotte. He is a long term substitute who also coaches track and cross country.
Life hasn’t been easy for him lately. He lost his father when he was just eight years old. More recently, he lost his mother to cancer. This time of year usually brings up a lot of those hard memories for him.
His 12th graders noticed the man behind the desk. They saw his kindness. They saw the slip-on Vans he wore to class every single day.
Instead of waiting for Teacher Appreciation Week in May, they decided to act early. The students pooled their own money together and waited for the perfect moment.
When the box was placed in front of him, the room went quiet. Jeff started getting emotional before the lid was even off. When he saw the new shoes, his face just crumpled. He looked completely stunned.
“It means a lot that people think of me,” he said through the tears.
Kalea Shak, the student who filmed the moment, said the whole class was crying with him. Even the boys were wiping their eyes. She explained that Jeff always leaves his own bad days at the door. He makes them feel cared for.
The video of this moment went viral and even caught the attention of the Vans company. They were so moved that they gave the entire class a shopping spree for their own matching red sneakers.
Jeff felt the impact deep in his soul. “They reminded me that I matter,” he shared.
How amazing is our God? He sends His love right where we are. His grace reaches everywhere. Heavenly Father, bless these kids to continue growing in Your light and comfort Jeff with Your presence.
WATCH: High School Students Surprise Their Teacher With a Gift That Leaves Him in Tears
