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!
Paris Jackson just turned 25 and reveals what Michael Jackson was really like as a father
Paris Jackson was born on April 3, 1998 in California as the second child of legendary musician Michael Jackson. Growing up in the shadow of the “King of Pop,” her life was anything but ordinary from the start. Her early years were a mixture of privilege and seclusion, shielded from the public eye by her father and siblings, who valued privacy and a non-traditional education.
Paris and her brothers were homeschooled until sixth grade, and were spared the relentless media scrutiny that dominated Michael Jackson’s life. Her father, who was deeply committed to a rich education, exposed her to different cultures and experiences beyond the glitz of fame. Paris fondly remembers how these experiences broadened her worldview and instilled in her values such as cultural appreciation and hard work. From a young age, she understood the importance of succeeding on her own merits.
At the age of 11, tragedy struck Paris when her father died suddenly, thrusting her into the spotlight. Her poignant speech at his memorial service marked her public debut and gave the world a glimpse into Michael Jackson’s private family life. Paris and her brothers then accepted her father’s posthumous Lifetime Achievement Award at the Grammy Awards, further cementing her public presence.
Navigating her youth amidst her father’s legacy proved challenging. Paris faced personal issues that culminated in a time of change at a therapeutic boarding school in Utah. This experience was pivotal in improving her mental health and developing a stronger person
Despite the significance of her family name, Paris was determined to follow her own path. She graduated from high school and embraced modeling as a means of self-expression, which brought her to the attention of prestigious publications. Her unique style and individuality shone on the covers of Rolling Stone, Vogue and Narcisse, making her a fashion icon in her own right.
In 2020, Paris ventured into the music industry with her debut album, “Wilted,” showcasing an indie folk sound that explores themes of heartbreak and love. Although Paris is influenced by her father’s musical legacy, she is focused on developing her own identity in the industry.
Throughout her journey, Paris Jackson remains deeply connected to the memory of her father, finding comfort in dreams in which Michael Jackson continues to guide and comfort her, underscoring their enduring bond.
One of resilience and growth, handling fame and personal loss with grace, Paris Jackson’s story serves as an inspiration to those facing adversity and embodies the pursuit of individuality amidst the challenges of her extraordinary upbringing.
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