A Texas faculty principal evokes 1000’s after personally writing handwritten letters to graduates—one for each senior at Mansfield Summit Excessive Faculty in Arlington.
Every of the 443 customized notes got here with a $1 invoice, turning the gesture into greater than phrases on paper—it symbolized kindness, hope, and encouragement.
The letters, written by Principal Jason Mutterer, weren’t only a commencement present—they had been a long-lasting reminder to college students that they’re seen, valued, and liked.
His message was easy: one small act of kindness can change a life.
“443 random acts of kindness can begin a ripple of optimistic, impactful change that might result in feeding 1000’s of Mansfield ISD youngsters in the summertime or offering 1000’s of Mansfield ISD college students with Christmas presents,” Principal Mutterer shared in a last message to his seniors in a Fb publish.
The which means behind the handwritten letter to graduates
The thought to put in writing handwritten letters to graduates got here from a private reminiscence that left a long-lasting impression on Principal Mutterer.
In an interview with NBC Dallas-Fort Value, he recalled receiving a observe from his highschool authorities instructor—a observe he nonetheless retains.
Again then, everybody anticipated him to comply with in his household’s footsteps as a fifth-generation farmer.
However that one letter from his instructor modified every part. It gave him a brand new imaginative and prescient for his life and pushed him to pursue faculty.
This expertise planted the seed for what would grow to be his heartfelt custom.
For this longtime faculty principal, every observe was a method to go on that very same encouragement to his college students.
Handwritten letters to graduates spark emotion
Principal Mutterer handed the handwritten letters to graduates through the commencement ceremony, slipping every envelope in with the diplomas.
For a lot of college students, it was a complete shock.
One of many graduates, Eduardo Estrada, instructed NBC’s KXAS that the principal grew to become emotional whereas addressing the category.
Eduardo mentioned he was shocked to study that Mutterer had written all 443 notes by hand.
Andrea Lozada shared that her letter thanked her for her work within the women’ observe program—a element proving how private every observe was.
She mentioned most principals don’t normally present up for scholar occasions, however Mutterer is totally different.
He’s there at video games, performances, and award ceremonies, cheering college students on.
Daniel Ezenagu agreed. Identified affectionately by the principal as “Dan the Man,” he mentioned Mutterer’s presence round faculty feels virtually magical—like he is aware of every part occurring, from sports activities to band to teachers.
A principal’s 23-year legacy of affection
After greater than twenty years at Summit Excessive, Principal Mutterer’s dedication to college students goes far past his job title.
For a lot of, he’s not simply an educator—a mentor, a supporter, and a real instance of management.
In his Fb message to the graduating class, he reminded them that no act of kindness is simply too small and urged them to carry their mild into the world.
“No act of kindness is simply too small, so take the Summit Love you developed at Summit HS to a world that desperately wants IT and desires YOU. So decelerate and see others who merely wish to be seen,” he suggested.
He mirrored on what number of college students adopted within the footsteps of siblings and family members. Nonetheless, now it was their flip to steer with compassion and braveness.
He known as it “Summit Love”—a legacy of kindness they now carry ahead.
The ripple impact of customized notes
The handwritten letters had been greater than a considerate commencement present—they carried a mission.
Principal Mutterer included a $1 invoice in every envelope, symbolizing a easy act of generosity. The thought was to encourage each graduate to pay it ahead.
“If 443 youngsters are doing random acts of kindness day-after-day, it has an enormous, large affect on our society,” he concluded.
These customized notes weren’t simply keepsakes—they had been a problem.
A problem to make use of kindness to uplift others, simply as that instructor as soon as uplifted him.
Right here’s Principal Jason Mutterer speaking about his handwritten letters to graduates in an interview with TODAY:
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