NBAE / Getty Images The Bobcats celebrated Random Acts of Kindness on Tuesday

Random Acts of Kindness Day Gallery

Teachers have the ability to inspire, encourage, support and most importantly, educate. They are charged with the awesome responsibility of laying the foundation that children will build their future on. Their job isn’t always easy, but every day thousands of them head into the classroom with the goal of helping children achieve their dreams.

The Bobcats wanted to express their appreciation to some of these dedicated professionals who work so hard every day to teach our children.

To show their gratitude, the Bobcats celebrated Random Acts of Kindness Day on February 12 by surprising the teachers at Nations Ford Elementary with a special party.

In place of their normal staff meeting, the teachers were instead given the opportunity to spend the afternoon with some of the members of the Bobcats organization. As the room full of teachers snacked on Valentine’s treats, TV Play-by-Play Announcer Steve Martin introduced Bobcats players Matt Carroll, Derek Anderson and Jared Dudley, along with mascot Rufus Lynx.

“We just wanted to spread a little bit of Valentine’s Day love to the teachers and give back a little bit to them,” said Carroll. “My mom is a middle school teacher and we just wanted to show them how important they are to the future of the world and we just wanted to have some fun with them.”

The Bobcats players all realize what a vital role teachers play and wanted to have the opportunity to thank them for their efforts.

“I think teachers are really our future,” remarked Anderson. “They have our children, and they have to make them better mentally.”

“Teachers are a big part in the developing of society,” added Dudley “They are all trying to make the best of our youth and we just wanted to give them thanks.”

As part of the celebration, the players signed uniquely designed Bobcats Valentine’s Day cards for each teacher, handed out flowers and distributed Bobcats game tickets and T-shirts.

I think it’s great to reward the staff” said Jennifer Loeffler, a teacher at Nations Ford Elementary School and current CMS Teacher of the Year. “We have a really difficult job to do every day with our kids and to reward the people that come here and work hard every day for our kids is something really great to do.”

The players also participated in a question-and-answer session, sharing with the teachers how important it was to them to obtain an education. All three of the players have completed their college degrees.

“We all realize we wouldn’t be in the NBA if we didn’t continue our education,” said Carroll. “The one thing about sports is that you’re only one injury away from your career being over. That’s why school is so important. You always have to keep that in mind.”

This message was something the teachers will be able to pass along to their students.

“Our kids look up so much to professional athletes,” said Loeffler. “They don’t really have an understanding of how hard they have had to work to get where they are. For our kids to see how these guys have gone to high school and college to get where they are now, it will be really great for our kids to see.”

Anderson, Dudley and Carroll also shared with the teachers some of their favorite memories from their days as elementary students.

Carroll remembered that some of his favorite books were sports stories written by Matt Christopher. When the school librarian produced a copy of one of the books, Baseball Pals, Carroll couldn’t help but smile.

“Can I borrow this?” he jokingly asked as he thumbed through the pages of the book.

The players also reminisced with the teachers about playing Oregon Trail on the computer and participating in spelling bees, but they were always quick to point out the impact their teachers had.

“We always looked up to them,” said Anderson. “We always wanted to be like them”

“They made me believe I could do whatever I wanted,” added Carroll.

This type of inspiration is something that teachers hope to give to every student, but sometimes they need some help to do it.

The Bobcats hope to provide some support to the teachers at Nations Ford Elementary by partnering with the school for several different events.

“They are putting in a Reading Corner in the library. Rufus, the mascot, will be coming to visit our students and read with them as well as some of the players,” said Nations Ford Assistant Principal Dr. Rhonda Gomez. “We are just very excited because this gives our teachers the opportunity to know that there are people who truly appreciate what they do in the classroom.”

For the Bobcats, supporting education and literacy is one of the pillars where they focus their community outreach efforts.

“It takes more than just one person,” said Anderson as he talked about why the Bobcats place such a high emphasis on supporting education. “It takes a whole lot of people and people with passion.”

“We are trying to get to as many schools and places in this community that we can,” added Carroll. “I think now it’s just going to get brighter in the future for both of us.”