"If You Ever Need Me, Come Running!"

The mind is an amazing thing. For many, the brief whiff of a familiar scent can bring back a whirlwind of memories. For me, I remember the distinct smell that my church kindergarten had – walking down the steps to the basement, which wasn’t really a basement to the classroom. I remember Anita Gypin, daycare center director, and her booming voice down the hall every morning “Good morning! Welcome to today!” I remember she had a jolly laugh and she smelled nice. I remember her office was very cozy, but small. I remember her crying at kindergarten graduation as we got our little diplomas and walked across the stage. I remember because she made me feel special, as I’m sure she did to every child that walked down those steps. I don’t know what happened to her. I don’t know what happened to the other kids in my kindergarten classroom. I only know what happened to two of those classmates, and that’s only because we knew each other in high school and are Facebook friends.

I tell you this brief story as an introduction to a group of students who are completely opposite. They not only know what happened to their classmates – they remain classmates today!

Meet Ms. Coats’ and Ms. Howard’s kindergarten class from Dallas Elementary.

They had their kindergarten graduation in 2002. Thirteen years ago. Thirteen years ago, as they walked out of Room 302 for the final time as kindergarteners, Ms. Coats told them she would see them at their high school graduation. And she’s making good on that promise.

You see, over the past 13 years, this group of students hasn’t lost touch with their kindergarten teacher. They get together every so often, most recently two weeks ago.

But what’s most interesting, to me…look at the packets that the students are looking through. Pictures. Drawings. And a letter from their kindergarten teacher, Jill Coats. She kept these momentos for more than a decade, only to assemble them for her students as a keepsake from their time in her class.

We often think about the teachers who leave a lasting impact on our lives. But what about the students who leave a lasting impact on theirs?

From Ms. Coats’ Facebook page:

Full Circle....Thirteen years ago I made a plan to meet up with some really special people again....as they left my Kindergarten class for the last time, I told them I'd see them when they graduate from high school. My first class of Kindergartners at Dallas Elementary School graduates in a few weeks. Just don't really have adequate words to say what it's like to watch them grow up over the years and then get back together to reminisce. [Ms.] Howard and I were so amazed at the things they remembered from their days with us. We had a great time last Thursday over dinner and a fun little photo shoot. Great young men and women and I am so very proud of each of them. How I'd love to see every student, but very thankful for those who were able to come as well as the parents who came, too. For those who couldn't come, you know 302 is always open....come on by and don't be a stranger. Remember one more thing I told you long, long ago.....if you ever need me, come running.

Can you imagine one of your former teachers leaving that message for you to read? Can you imagine the impression this group of students left on Ms. Coats and Ms. Howard?

Congratulations, Class of 2015! You’ve made a difference in at least one person’s life…who’s next?