Submitted photo / Josh MacMillan Hubbard Elementary first-grade teacher Heather Williams, left, was one of 30 teachers honored recently by the Hubbard High School Future Educators of America. The students hand delivered thank you letters and T-shirts to teachers who they said had an impact on their decision to become a teacher. Presenting the T-shirt is Kaitlin Guarino.

HUBBARD — With the dawn of a new year and teachers and students getting their footing again after a long holiday break, a group of Hubbard High School students who are members of the Future Educators of America recently took time to thank the teachers who have made a positive impact on them during their academic careers.

Nearly 50 students wrote a letter thanking their favorite teacher — which could have been anyone from kindergarten until their current grade — and telling them why they chose them. During homeroom, students hand-delivered letters to their teachers along with a T-shirt that reads “I’m an FEA favorite teacher.”

It was not something that was going to change the world or change the trajectory of someone’s career, but a group of students made a group of teachers see the impact they have every day.

Anna Badurik, Hubbard High School Spanish teacher, had four students write letters to her, including junior Gabby Reese.

“The reason why Mrs. Badurik is so special to so many students is because she makes you feel like a person and not just another student in class. She takes her time to understand you in ways she can better make and form connections,” Anna said.

With the door open and four students walking into her classroom during homeroom to share that she was selected as all of their favorite teacher, Badurik said she was confused “and caught off guard in the best way.”

“Once Niko explained what was happening, I was overjoyed because each of the students who nominated me are very special to me, and although I felt as though we’ve always had a great rapport, I didn’t really know how much I meant to them until I read the beautiful letters that each of them had written. It was a very uplifting moment that positively impacted my spirits well beyond that morning,” Badurik said.

Claire Murphy and Emma Langley both surprised their math teacher, Andrea Stamp, with the same honor.

“When I saw Mrs. Stamp’s reaction to the letter and the T-shirt dedicated to her being my favorite teacher, I felt very happy and grateful to be able to thank her for all the late nights and care she put towards me and other students she’s had in years past,” Claire said.

“I’m so grateful to have so many students who were eager to share their appreciation with those who have made such an impact. Hearing kids talking about the impression people like Mr. (Tom) King, Mrs. (Heather) Williams, Mrs. Stamp, and countless others have left on them is so heartwarming,” said high school art teacher and FEA adviser Josh MacMillan.

“The purpose of this career is to be a service to others and taking a moment to thank those who have impacted your life is more appreciated than people realize. No matter what they go through outside of the classroom, I am so fortunate to have colleagues who always bring such joy and compassion into their room for every child,” he added.

FEA president Laney DiPiero said, “This experience was unlike anything I have done before and I can’t begin to express my gratitude towards it. Being able to see the students and staff’s reaction to receiving recognition for the inspiration they created was truly an eye-opening moment. The raw emotions that both students and teachers shared was something that wouldn’t have been possible without this project. I have never been more proud to be a part of something so heartwarming, and without the leadership and guidance from Mr. MacMillan, none of this would have been possible.”