NEED TO KNOW
- Mansfield Summit High School principal Jason Mutterer wrote a personalized note to each of the 443 graduating students and gave them out at a graduation ceremony with $1 included in it
- “I’m like there’s no way he just wrote 443 letters to every student in here,” one of the graduating senior said
- In a Facebook post, Mutterer explained that what he did was a random act of kindness
A Texas high school principal took his love for his students to an unexpected and whole new level — though his writing hand might be tired.
Jason Mutterer of Mansfield Summit High School in Arlington wrote a short personalized note to each of his 443 graduating seniors, enclosed with a $1 bill, as an example of a random act of kindness.
“443 random acts of kindness can start a ripple of positive, impactful change that could lead to feeding 1000’s of Mansfield ISD kids in the summer or providing 1000’s of Mansfield ISD students with Christmas presents,” Mutterer shared in a final message to his seniors in a May 31 Facebook post.
“No act of kindness is too small, so take the Summit Love you developed at Summit HS to a world that desperately needs IT and needs YOU. So slow down and see others who simply want to be seen,” he advised.
Mutterer — who has been at Summit High School for 23 years, according to Fox affiliate KDFW, told the graduating students in his Facebook post that graduation is both the end of a new chapter and the beginning of another.
“You have walked in the shadow of others, such as your parents, grandparents, and siblings, but now,” he continued. “BUT NOW, it is time to step out of those shadows, so the world can experience the light each of you have to offer…..the light known as….. Summit Love. Sharing your light, the Summit Love, with others, will change hearts, illuminate hope, and drive out fear in all those who are blessed to come in contact with you in life.”
Mutterer gave out the notes along with the diplomas to the seniors at the school’s graduation ceremony, Today reported. His kind gesture astounded the Summit students.
“He at one point, goes to tears a little bit,” Eduardo Estrada, one of the graduating students, told NBC affiliate KXAS. “I knew that was going to happen, then he started talking about personal letters and 443 of them and I was like dang. I’m like there’s no way he just wrote 443 letters to every student in here.”
Andrea Lozada, another graduate, shared the letter Mutterer wrote to her with KXAS: “ ‘Andrea, thank you for being an important piece of our girls’ track program this year.’ ”
In an interview with Today on Thursday, June 12, Mutterer further explained his actions, saying: “They’re my kids, they’re my students. It’s personal.”
Mansfield Independent School District paid tribute to Mutterer — also known by the nickname ‘Coach Mutt’ — in a Facebook post Thursday, highlighting the principal’s appearance on the Today show.
“Coach Mutt’s commitment to his students goes far beyond the classroom, and we’re proud to see one of our own celebrated for the incredible impact our educators have on young lives,” the district’s post read in part.
“We love you, Coach Mutt—and we’re grateful for every teacher and staff member who gives their heart to our students every day,” the district added.
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Mutterer concluded his May 31 Facebook post by telling his students that Summit High School will always be their home no matter where their lives take them.
“You will always matter to us and the Jaguar family will always love you. I LOVE YOU…..and may God bless each of you on your life’s journey!” he wrote.
PEOPLE contacted Mutterer for additional comment on Thursday.
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