Number of Participants: 17
Hours Donated: 2
Value of Time Served: $287
Event Type: Education & Literacy
Sport: Girls Volleyball
Date: September 23, 2024
Location:
Silver Lake Regional High School
Pembroke Street, Kingston
MA
About:
The SL Girls’ Volleyball team recently held their annual Teacher Appreciation event, a heartfelt tradition that began three years ago. Before one of their games, the athletes took a moment to honor some of the district’s most outstanding teachers, recognizing the lasting impact these educators have had on their lives. This special tribute not only showed the team’s gratitude but also served as a powerful reminder for all of us to acknowledge and thank those who guide and support us along our journeys.
The tradition began when the team’s former Athletic Director suggested an event that would allow high school teachers to see their students “outside the classroom.” As a 4th-grade teacher in the district, the event organizer expanded the idea to include teachers from PK-12, knowing that younger teachers who may not have seen their former students in years would love to witness them play. Each year, teachers are invited via email, which includes the team roster so they can see which of their current or former students are participating. Teachers RSVP, and the athletes are always excited to know which educators will be attending.
Each year, the event follows a meaningful theme, highlighted in a short speech. The first year’s theme was sunflowers, representing energy, joy, and positivity, and each teacher was presented with a sunflower. In 2023, the theme was based on the post-it note, symbolizing perseverance and success after repeated failures, with teachers receiving a pack of post-it notes. This past week, the theme was “Life is like a box of chocolates,” emphasizing how everyone is different but united by dedication, and each teacher was given a small box of chocolates.
Each year, between 12 and 20 teachers attend the event. The players personally present their chosen teachers with gifts, followed by a group photo to commemorate the moment. This year, one teacher even volunteered to sing the National Anthem, making the event even more special. The teachers stay for the match, and the players genuinely enjoy having them there.
While simple, this annual tradition beautifully highlights the players as both students and athletes. Congratulations to the SL Girls’ Volleyball team for continuing this meaningful event and for showing their gratitude to the educators who have shaped their futures!
