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Graduation is a big deal. It’s the moment when a young person is recognized for their dedication and hard work and a time to celebrate the beginning of an adult life. It’s a big deal for kids to have their support system cheering them on at graduation, which is why this story of a father flying across the world to see his son at grad is so heartwarming.
"There's no such thing as a free lunch!" Unless you happen to be a student at Thomas Ultican Elementary School in Blue Springs, Missouri.And then...Bon Appétit!Because an 11-year-old student at the school just single-handedly raised $7,300 to pay off his entire school's lunch debt...and then some, giving the leftovers to the local high school to pay down their debt too.
Most parents recognize that no child is perfect and are willing to work with leaders and educators to raise decent human beings. But when one mother realized the person charged with her son’s education was nothing more than a bully, she wrote him an epic letter.
The shoe was on the other foot when kindergarten teacher, Mary Harper, 28, dropped her 3-year-old off at preschool with her husband Samajee Harper. The Las Vegas mom thought she had seen it all, but she couldn't have been more wrong.When one school drop off went sideways, this Las Vegas mom pulled out her camera and start recording! She thought she knew her husband, but turns out she was only just beginning to understand him.The Dad Who’s Stealing Mom’s Thunder — LiterallyIn a now-viral TikTok video, Mary can’t help but burst out laughing as her husband, Samajee “Sam,” tries to contain his tears with sniffles and eye wipes. While Sam managed to keep it together when they dropped their son off in his classroom, when he finally got back to the car, to his own surprise...he broke down."I was crying but then my husband started crying so hard it made me laugh 😂".Mary Harper, TikTokMary Harper's quick, 38 second video is titled: "POV: Dropping your 3-year-old off at preschool for the first time" — and the footage doesn't disappoint. One Wife’s Utter Shock — “I Don’t Think I’d Even Seen Him Cry Before”@marymoniharper/TikTokMary Harper had prepared herself to shed a few tears. For most moms, it's easy to anticipate why dropping your little one off at school for the first time would be emotional. But this mama never expected her "tough guy" husband would beat her at her own game! “I thought I was gonna be cool, bruh!”Sam Harper, TikTok"I don't think I'd ever seen him cry before," she admitted, still surprised by the emotional moment on their son Isaiah's first day of preschool. Sam Harper recalls the real moment that took him down and needless to say it's pretty relatable. Do you think you can guess what it is? The moment that broke him: when his son Isaiah glanced back at him after their goodbye. When He Realizes His Wife’s Recording Him He Does This Shocking ThingThe tough guy dad can't help but bawl his eyes out, thinking about how his little boy was already growing up so fast. But when he realizes he's being recorded crying by his wife — he does the most surprising thing.He just keeps on crying!Instead of trying to save face for the camera or regain his composure, he just allows his emotions to wash over him like a wave. Eventually he laughed it off too. And his authenticity isn't just beautiful, but its a lesson for all men that it's not just okay to cry — it's healthy too.Watch Mary Harper's Video:Mary Harper's TikTok quickly went viral, racking up millions of views. Naturally, the comment section blew up with some users quoting Sam Harper's most iconic lines. Other users praised this father for being able to "man down."One simple comment even earned over 2K likes, "I love it when dads show affection to their kids," Cassidy wrote. Sometimes Even the Ones Closest to Us Still Have the Power to Shock Us Even when we think we know someone inside and out, life has a way of throwing surprises our way. Samajee Harper's reaction to his son Isaiah's first day of preschool is a heartwarming and hilarious reminder of this truth. Despite his usual cool demeanor, Samajee's tears took Mary by surprise, revealing a side of him she hadn't seen before. Their story serves as a charming reminder that even those closest to us can still catch us off guard with their emotions.In that touching moment, as they experienced this milestone together, Mary realized that there's always more to uncover about the people we hold dear, regardless of how well we think we know them.It's these unexpected instances of vulnerability and surprise that keep relationships lively and full of surprises, underscoring the depth of our connections and the endless opportunities for growth and understanding.More from Goalcast:Man With Special Needs Continuously Goes up to a Buff Stranger at Gym – Firefighter Takes Secret Photos of His ResponseWoman Goes to the Gym to Work Out – Breaks Down When She Hears These Startling Words From a ‘Hardcore’ Gym BroDwayne Johnson Learns Struggling UFC Fighter Sleeps in the Gym – Then, Tells Him a “Lie” That Brings Him to His Knees
It's been 40 years since Kevin Bacon "kicked off his Sunday shoes" and became an instant pop culture icon thanks to his role in Footloose.Although the movie was set in the fictitious town of Bomont, the high school featured in the film was real. Now, it's the end of an era for "Bomont High" (aka Payson High School). The school in Payson, Utah is being relocated at the end of the year. And to mark the occasion, the students campaigned to bring home the bacon — Kevin Bacon, that is — for one last iconic prom...it worked.The #BacontoPayson Social Media CampaignFor months, students of Payson High have been "workin' hard" to convince Kevin Bacon to come to prom. They've pulled out all the stops, re-creating scenes from the movie and posting them on social media, learning the iconic Footloose dance, staging the Footloose Musical, and even planning an event on prom day to benefit Bacon’s SixDegrees.org foundation."The whole entire school year has just [revolved] around Footloose," Grade 10 student Lauren Krout said.Their efforts paid off in a big way.Kevin Bacon Will Be Attending Prom DayOn Friday, Bacon, with the help of the Today Show, appeared via video chat to a gym full of surprised students and faculty. "I'm gonna come. I gotta come ... Let's dance," he told the wildly cheering crowd."I've been so impressed with everything that's been going on there with this crazy idea to get me to come back," Bacon told the students during the assembly. "The movie and Payson High School was a big part of my life, and I've been amazed at the work that all of you have been putting into this with the musical and the flashmobs and the re-creations. It hasn't gone unnoticed by me." He went on to say that he's inspired by the kids' initiative to give back to their community and their willingness to support his charity, SixDegrees.org, which "centers on youth empowerment, justice and equality, and improving a sustainable living environment," according to its website. The organization is currently in the midst of its own Footloose campaign - honoring the 40th anniversary of the movie by creating and distributing 40,000 essential resource kits to communities across the U.S.While the Today Show later clarified that Bacon will be at the school during prom day for the SixDegrees event and not kicking up his heels at the actual dance, rest assured he still has those famous moves.Footloose Legacy Lives OnBacon's portrayal of Ren McCormack, the cool city boy who challenges the conservative norms of his new hometown, struck a chord with audiences in the '80s and continues to do so today. His electrifying performance during the film's iconic dance sequences, set to the catchy tunes of Kenny Loggins' Footloose and other memorable tracks, became etched in cinematic history.Thanks to Footloose, Kevin Bacon's name was as synonymous with the 80S as Trapper-Keepers and jelly sandals. And unlike a lot of teen heartthrobs, his career didn’t stall out there. He's been the leading man in numerous movies and television shows, winning a Golden Globe, a Screen Actors Guild Award, and a Primetime Emmy Award. On top of that, he's a musician, dancer, philanthropist, podcaster, and a beloved social media content creator with a combined following of over 14 million followers. And also? Just a really nice guy.For the students of Payson High, Bacon's appearance on prom day is a dream come true. For them, Footloose isn't just a classic pop culture icon; it's a part of their school's identity. And while their school may be gone this time next year, its legacy will not be forgotten. More from Goalcast:Kevin Bacon and Kyra Sedgwick’s Secret to a Happy 34-Year Marriage Will Astound YouTeen’s Struggling Dad Works Hard to Make Ends Meet – So She Takes a 25-Mile Detour to Do This Before PromTeen With Cancer Invites Taylor Swift to His Prom but She Rejects It – Then She Does This
Apart from Travis Kelce and Taylor Swift, this might be the most insanely viral thing to come out of Missouri. It even attracts its brand of celebrity star-power too. However, as you'll find out, this incident is very different. A mother's surprise Photo by Nataliya VaitkevichAs a mother of 9, you can understand if Rachel Bradney isn't phased by much. After all, she's heard all the stories, excuses, and plots to make a motion picture. Until this.She's stopping by her home to pick up her eldest son when she makes a shocking discovery left by her 16-year-old son Adam Holliday. It isn't long before she posts it online, and it instantly goes viral.As in 210,000 shares and 924,000 likes, viral."My son is so excited he was able to make almost a million people smile, say ha, or bust a gut," she writes.Her discovery was even found and shared by actor Joseph Gordon Levitt, who retweeted his favorite part of it to his 4.2 million followers.A Son’s Cheeky ConfessionThere, on a ruled notebook paper, is Adam's confession to his mother. “As your son, I regret to inform you that I’ve missed my means of public transportation,” he starts."I know you must be on a rollercoaster of emotions right now but rest assured, I've stayed home. This was a tough decision to make while you were gone for 20 minutes," he 'reassures' Mom.To show her just how hard a decision it was to make, he instructs Bradney to 'please see the pros and cons chart on the back.'Under 'Pros,' he writes that 'Today was gonna be a bad one, can't get over my hair.' He also states it's his 'first day home this quarter, grade will be fine.'For the 'Cons' (Pun intended), he writes that it 'might become a habit (doubtful)' and joked that his parent has to 'call the school and tell them I've got polio.'Levitt's favorite part? "I'm probably in my bed moping about the fact that I can't go to school, so please don't interrupt me."Ladies and gentlemen, Adam Holliday. Part lawyer, part jester, all teenager. The question is: What's Mom's verdict?How a Teenager Proves That Cleverness WinsPhoto by Julia CameronOne commenter asks Bradney if she let her son stay home, Bradney says his letter ploy is a success -- with one exception.Likely admiring her son's creativity as motivation, Bradney's son won this one -- well, almost. When asked if she let Adam stay home, she responded to a follower: 'Of course I did how could make him go to school after that! I however didn't tell them he had polio.'As it turns out, his mother isn't the only one Holliday won over as the internet claps for the clever kid's motivation -- even if a bit misplaced. “This kid is going places!” writes one.“I’ve legit cried before because my hair wouldn’t cooperate. I feel him,” a sympathetic commenter writes. Another one thinks that Holliday found a loophole, writing, "That definitely deserved a day off if not just for the pro/con list. We shall call it 'creative writing and statistics' home school."I guess sometimes, you get an 'A' for effort and outcome. More from Goalcast:Customer Walks Into Business and Demands a $1000 Hamburger – The Owner Refuses and Does This InsteadDriver Notices First Grader Crying at the Bus Stop – Jumps Into Action When He Learns the Reason WhyCoffee Shop Owner’s Friends Open Up a Competing Business – Then One Piece of News Changes Everything
James Mogaji is a familiar face on the fourth floor of the Raymond Hall dormitory at Providence College. As a security guard, he spends four overnight shifts a week watching out for the students. But now? The students are looking out for him.After learning that it's been 11 long years since he's seen his family, including his son, the college students banded together to make it happen. Because everyone deserves the chance to go home again. Students Rally for “One of Their Own”Freshman Brandon Reichert is the brainchild behind operation "Send James Home." In the golden age of GoFundMe campaigns, he decided to leverage the platform to help one of his own. When he shared his idea with his classmates and friends, they immediately jumped on board. "For those of you that don't know James, he truly is one of the nicest people you will ever meet. He greets everybody with a smile and always welcomes conversations no matter what time of the night you run into him," Brandon wrote on the page. "He does not know how much we appreciate him, and hope that this shows to him how much he means to our community," he added. The fundraiser took off. In less than 24 hours it reached its goal of $3500. To say it's blown past its initial goal is an understatement. It currently sits at a whopping $26,000 (and climbing).Over the past weekend, the students got the chance to surprise James with the incredible news that he is finally going home. And all I want to know is, who's cutting the onions? Emotional TikTok Goes ViralLeah Quinn, a friend of Brandon's mother, captured the heartwarming moment on video and uploaded it to her TikTok account @lkquinnco. "Please stop and take the time to watch and share this amazing display of unrelenting kindness and humanity at its best," she wrote in the post. More than 750,000 people listened.Surrounded by students, resident assistant, Daniel Singh delivered the news to an unsuspecting James. "You told us a while ago that you wanted to see your family in Nigeria that you haven’t seen in a long time, so we came together and spread the word, and we started a GoFundMe because we take care of our own because that’s what we do at Providence College," he told James, fighting back tears."They've done that for me, we've done that for each other, so now we're doing it for you. You're part of the family, so our gift to you is a trip to Nigeria."Daniel Singh via TikTokShocked and overcome with emotion, James covered his face with his hands and fell to his knees. Clearly, the students didn't just gift him a trip, they gave him the world.“I don’t know how much I can thank you guys, man. I don’t know how much I can thank you,” he cried.He's going to start by taking the trip, which is already booked for June.As for the rest of the money raised? The students don't want James to have to wait another 11 years. They plan on using it for many more trips in the future. The Kids Are All RightJames is there for these kids, at a time when they need him most. A time when they've left everything they know behind - their childhoods, their families, their homes.And his presence hasn't gone unnoticed. It's obvious that James has made a difference in these students' lives. So much so, that they were willing to do whatever they could to make a difference in his.The fact that these kids came together in an incredible outpouring of community and compassion is inspiring. And despite what critics of the next generation may be saying, it's proof that kids these days? Are all right. More from Goalcast: Policeman Shows Up at School and Grills Confused Teen – Then Someone Grabs Him From BehindWoman Goes With High School Sweetheart on a Date – Finds Out He’d Been Working on a Secret for MonthsRetired Man Learns About Hungry Kids in a Report – Immediately Goes to School and Asks for the Principal
*Featured image contains photo by Melinda Gimpel on UnsplashWe often hear how important it is to save money and plan for the future. It’s a simple concept, but it can be incredibly difficult to do, especially when you consider bills and the overall cost of living. So it’s impressive to hear about someone who lived frugally and saved a lot.When you learn about someone who was able to save millions to make a difference in so many other people’s lives, though, that’s downright heartwarming.Cautious With MoneyGenevieve Via Cava lived a pretty frugal life. The special needs teacher rarely dined out or treated herself to things like the movies or trips. Instead, she took her paycheck every week and put aside most of her earnings. She didn’t even buy new clothes but chose instead to buy items second-hand or at a super-discounted price.Via Cava’s colleagues and friends knew how she lived, but they rarely considered what she did with her money. According to People, she clipped coupons, didn’t have any children, and was the type of person who didn’t want to fork over $4,000 on a hearing aid. In the end, it all meant she was actually able to save quite a bit.That didn’t come out until seven years after her death, though. Following Via Cava’s passing in 2011 at the age of 89, it took years to settle her estate. When the affairs were finally settled, her former colleagues were shocked: the woman left a million dollars to New Jersey’s Dumont School District.The interest that donation will receive going forward will be enough to fund two annual $25,000 scholarships in perpetuity, “making a huge impact in the lives of the kids she loved,” the district’s superintendent, Emanuele Triggiano, told the publication.A Generous HeartOver the years, Via Cava became good friends with a man named Richard Jablonski. They met at the clothing store he used to run, where he fondly recalled her shopping the “70 percent off” rack.Eventually, Via Cava asked Jablonski to be the executor of her will. Even he was surprised to learn the extent of her savings. He recalled her chastising him for taking his kids out for dinner when he could be saving those hard-earned dollars instead. He also highlighted how she really wanted to do some good with the money she saved.“When she told me seven years before she passed away that she had money and wanted me to handle her will, I was floored to learn how much she’d saved,” he said. “She’d call and say, ‘I want to leave $100,000 to the Salvation Army,’ and ‘I want to leave $100,000 each to county animal shelters,’ and ‘Let’s add a $100,000 donation to the hearing center.’ She certainly had a generous heart.”The friend explained that one day, while Via Cava was at the bank of all places, she doubled over in pain. The tellers called an ambulance, but she passed away pretty quickly from sepsis. Jablonski, who now lives in Via Cava's house, was still driving to come and see her when he got the call that she'd died.“Genevieve was very smart — she knew finances,” he added, “She’d be thrilled to hear that the interest alone from her $1 million gift to the school district will pay for a scholarship every year. She was a strict teacher, but she loved those kids. They meant the world to her. And now her legacy will live on forever.”Creating Our Own LegaciesNot all of us are great with money, and that’s okay. What’s so touching about this story is that it reminds us that money isn’t everything, and we don’t need new things or flashy items to make a difference. Sometimes, the best way to make a difference and create our own legacies is to commit to doing so.For this woman, it was saving her money so that one day she could donate it to causes that mattered to her. For others, it could be committing to coaching a community sports team, volunteering at a retirement center, or working at a non-profit. There are so many ways to make a difference in the world and to leave your mark. But the first step is always deciding that’s what you want to do.More from Goalcast:Devoted Father Builds $35-Million Theme Park for His Daughter With Special Needs — Allows Disabled People FREE AdmissionThai Monk Wins $500,000 Lottery—Decides To Spend The Money In The Most Meaningful WayStreet Musician Offers All His Money On-Hand to a Homeless Beggar — What the Homeless Man Does Next Is the Last Thing He’d Expect
We often hear stories about big box stores and companies with CEOs who have lost touch with everyday people and the reality of how things are for many. So when you hear about a CEO who is willing to not only engage with his customers but also help them out, the kindness of it warms your heart.That’s why this story of a sixth grader who wrote to the CEO of Costco is getting so much attention. Not only does it show that there is still some good at the top, but that sometimes, all you need to do is ask and you shall receive.A Valentine’s Day FundraiserLast year, a 12-year-old boy needed a way to promote his North Hollywood school’s Valentine’s Day fundraiser. Grant Cerwin knew he could do roses or something like that, but he wanted something even bigger to get people’s attention. So he took a chance and wrote a letter to Costco's CEO about them possibly donating one of their famous 93-inch stuffed teddy bears.“We want to raffle off one of your giant bears as a Valentine’s Day fundraiser for our school,” he wrote, as per ABC News. “I would make sure everyone knew you gave it to us in our school newsletter, on social media, and with a big sign by the bear. I know it is a long shot, but I thought it couldn't hurt to ask.”A Surprising ResponseCerwin admitted he didn’t really expect a response, but Craig Jelinek responded within minutes. He forwarded the email to his employees and instructed them to “do whatever it takes” to get Walter Reed Middle School a giant teddy bear.Soon, Cerwin’s ask was fulfilled.“Good morning Grant. I am the Toy Supervisor at our Costco’s LA Regional office. I have good news, Costco will be donating a 93” Plush Bear to your school to use in your Valentine’s Day fundraiser!” read an email. “We could have it delivered to the school directly so your parents don’t have to worry about transporting it.”The bear was a huge hit. More than 300 people paid for a raffle ticket to win it, raising $1,500 for the school. Those funds went toward future handball courts and the school’s mural.“I really learned that you have to take your chances,” Cerwin added. “So, if you have that chance, you should take it.”A Valuable LessonAs Cerwin himself said, sometimes in life you just have to take a chance. People are often afraid to ask for what they need for fear of rejection. But at the end of the day, if you don’t ask you definitely won’t get what you need.Often, you’ve got nothing to lose by asking for help. That can be true of a fundraiser or community rally, but it can also be true when we need help in our own lives. So pick up the phone, send a text or even write an email if that’s what you’re comfortable with.But never be afraid to ask for help. We all need a little help now and then. And if you’re the type of person who is willing to help others, the odds are pretty great that people will want to help you in your time of need, too.More from Goalcast:Coffee Shop Owner’s Friends Open Up a Competing Business – Then One Piece of News Changes Everything19-Year-Old Goes to Hotel to Take Part in a Raffle – Little Did She Know Her Friends Had a Secret Plan in PlaceMan Takes $800 From Vacation Fund Without Telling His Wife – Then Reveals What He Did With It Over Text
There’s no bond like the bond of siblings. If you’re lucky enough to have one that you can get along with, a sibling knows you better than anyone. They’re the person you can confide in, hang out with, and relate to most in life. They’re also the person you probably miss most when they’re not around.That’s why this story is so incredibly moving.A Surprise VisitOne day, a teen boy named Luke was in class doing his work when, suddenly, a uniformed police officer came looking for him. He stood up and headed over to the officer without hesitation, although the kid was clearly confused about why the officer was looking for him.“Where’s your bag at?” the officer asked. Again, the kid immediately got his bag and handed it over. “What are you doing?” the officer continued. Luke’s answer was simple: “Just working,” he said without missing a beat as his classmates looked on.Luke’s confusion continued as the officer pressed him. “Is there something you need to tell me? Are you sure? Is there anything in your bag?” he grilled. Finally, the officer asked Luke to follow him into the next room.A Familiar EmbraceOnce in the other room, the officer backed off, and a uniformed man approached Luke from behind. He gave him a giant hug and Luke's shoulders sagged in relief. It was Luke's brother, Sean, who had been away in the Navy for quite some time.“Came home and surprised my little brother at school, with the help of the on-duty police officer,” Sean wrote in a video post that captured the entire thing.The relief and then sheer love on Luke’s face in the video was palpable. He broke down in tears as his classmates in the next room clapped, clearly in on the big surprise.“Oh my God,” Luke whispered, at first covering his face and then hugging his brother tight. As he turned back to the camera, he wiped away tears. “I was wondering why you had the phone!” he said to the officer.The Power of LoveThe video, which has been seen more than 20 million times, is such a great example of the sibling bond. It’s got the brotherly prank we know and expect from such relationships, but it also underlies the genuine love between Sean and Luke. It’s hard not to tear up watching it as you get the sense that these are two kind young men.The video also inspires us to reach out to the siblings we have in our lives and to try not to take those relationships for granted. As this story proves, we never know when we might not see the people we love again or when they may be gone for an extended period of time. So plug in their numbers, make the plans, and tell them you love them.We should all make the most of these moments while we have them. Because this kind of love is what makes our souls sing.More from Goalcast:Mom Watches Son Sneak Into Little Brother’s Room at 3 a.m. – The Reason Why Goes Viral7-Year-Old Takes Little Brother to His Class – One Day, He’s Curious to See What Happens Behind Closed DoorsTwo Brothers With Rare Heart Condition Die 3 Years Apart — 2 Hours Later, One of Them Wakes Up
