By Andy Klotz—
MUNCIE, IN—It’s been 15 years since Hannah Schutte and Connie Devers-White have connected. It’s been 20 years since Schutte was a student in Devers-White’s fourth grade classroom in Selma. Still, after all these years, Schutte has not forgotten Devers-White and the way her favorite teacher helped her through some very difficult times in her youth.
“I was asked why teachers and counselors are so important, and it’s because you never know what kids are going through,” Schutte said. “Sometimes teachers and counselors see the kids more than their parents do, and they fill their cup with what is needed.”
Schutte, now the program director for TCC Gives in Fishers, visited Muncie this week to surprise her former teacher with a basket of treats and gifts, including a $1,000 gift card. The gesture is part of TCC’s “Teachers Rock” program allowing employees to nominate a teacher or school staff member who impacts students in a significant way. TCC is a Verizon Authorized Retailer.
“This was a huge surprise,” Devers-White, now a school counselor at North View Elementary School, said. “I am excited for so many reasons. I tell my students that we all have our ‘stuff,’ and she (Hannah) has taken all of that and made it into such a positive thing. I am so proud of her and happy to have had the opportunity to be part of her story.”
Devers-White has been with Muncie Community Schools for nine years now. She loves connecting with children and inspiring them to do their personal best and never give up on themselves or their dreams.
“I have the best job ever,” she said. “I spend my day surrounded by great kids, just like Hannah. I get to help them learn how to identify their feelings and encourage them to use coping strategies when they have big feelings.
“I help them understand that it is okay to make mistakes and that they don’t define who they are or who they will become, but the best part is when one of my kiddos comes up and says ‘I can do hard things.’ My response is always, ‘yes you can.’”
So how will she spend the money that was part of the gift basket? On students, of course.
“We will now be able to buy pencils and key chains for our Star students, restock the Star cart, get glow sticks for the upcoming dance party and provide leis for everyone to wear to the Beach Bash celebration,” she said.
To see the surprise presentation of gifts and Devers-White’s reaction, please watch the video below.
About Muncie Community Schools
Serving the local community since 1855, Muncie Community Schools (MCS) educates more than 5,000 students at six elementary schools, two middle schools and one high school while also managing several other educational facilities. Through its unique partnership with Ball State University, MCS strives to maximize each student’s potential so he or she can be a positive, productive member of society.
About TCC Gives
TCC Gives is a corporate giving initiative committed to strengthening communities. It operates through a percentage of profits from the nationwide Verizon retailer, TCC, and additional fundraising projects. TCC Gives encompasses a private foundation that gives Community Grants to local nonprofits. We also support More Than a Phone, a public charity that supports survivors, quarterly local giving projects, and more! To date, TCC Gives has donated $8,096,415 and counting.
