We need more of this!
Jaret Patterson decided to give back to someone who had a great influence on him: his second grade teacher.
The 23-year-old running back is a Maryland native who proved to be a star. He broke barriers at University at Buffalo with his twin brother, James Patterson, before landing the opportunity to play for his home team, the Washington Commanders.
Patterson displays his love for the game on and off the field, but his heart is his biggest asset. He decided to surprise his second grade teacher, Mr. Diedren Coon, at Glenarden Woods Elementary School.
The Prince George’s County Public Schools (PGCPS) shared the special surprise in an Instagram post; it was just what we needed to feel the love right before Valentine’s day!
Patterson told Because of Them We Can, “He [Mr. Coon] was a person that helped me build that confidence and foundation in the classroom, especially in reading. I just wanted to thank him for that, for impacting my life at a young age. I just told him whether it’s playing football or when I’m done playing, I want to impact people’s lives just as he impacted my life.”
Some people say to teach is to touch a life forever and Mr. Coon is surely making a difference in his students’ lives. Because of our educators, we can!