New Hampstead football seniors select impactful teachers

BLOOMINGDALE, Ga. (WSAV) — The last football game of the regular season is senior night for most high school teams.

This year, inspired by a TikTok trend, New Hampstead did something extra. Along with senior night, the players lacing up their cleats for their final home game decided to recognize one teacher who made the biggest impact over the last four years.

"She taught me how to be more mature just as a person," senior Shaun Hamilton said. "You know, she pushed me through her class. You know I had her class in fourth block. So I use to kind of sleep a lot. She used to wake me up and push me to my work every time, kept me on my grades."

"I was actually quite surprised," New Hampstead teacher Whitney King said. "He walked in and I was like, 'Why is he in here?' Because soon after the entire football team, all the seniors walked in my room. So I knew something special must be going on. But I was just really shocked and very proud and honored that Shaun chose me and picked me to be a teacher that impacted his high school career."

This year, the New Hempstead football team had 27 seniors, which means 27 staff members were selected. Shawn Hamilton, chose teacher Whitney King. Each recipient received a T-shirt. On the front, the shirt "Made an impact" on the back. It had that player's last name and his football jersey number.

Anthony Williams chose Beth Jones.

"The impact that you have had on me is me the right place at the right time," Williams said. "You know, I joke a lot. So she would tell me, 'Ok Anthony it's time to lock and do work.' And I lock in and do my work. And that's showing me outside of school about the right place at the right time."

"He's a happy soul," Jones said. "He's a kind heart. He would give you the shirt off his back if you ask for it. And when I have days when I'm done and I'm tired. He just seems to know and shows up and gives me a great big hug when I don't want to be bothered. And he gives me a hug anyway. And I need that sometimes. So I appreciate that he loves me like that."

New Hampstead ended its season with a win over Ware County, 48-41. And senior Reshawn Truell went out with a bang. He threw for 500 yards and five touchdowns. He added another 33 yards on the ground with and an additional score. The passing total puts him as the top passer in the state of Georgia for all classifications.