Matanzas High School Principal Jeff Reaves started his job four years ago when the graduating seniors were freshman. And this wasn’t some kind of form letter. Reaves dug deep to make each letter unique, sifting through “yearbooks, student files and transcripts,” as well as relying on conversations and relationships. He wrote the notes from March through graduation day.
Reaves told the News-Journal, “I want to be positive for our students, especially in a time where there’s a lot of negativity and turmoil in the world. I wanted to shine some light on the students and encourage them as they begin their next journey in life.”
He added, “It was as much for me as them and I got the chance to learn about each student individually. It’s easy to get caught up in the numbers, but it’s the names that really matter. I was doing my part to help them feel connected as a community and have their high school experience to be positive.”
Lisa Kittrell, a culinary arts teacher at Matanzas High School, said in her 25 years in education, she’s never seen a principal do something so sweet for senior students.
Parents of the graduating students reacted with similar sentiments, many praising Reaves for taking the time to say goodbye so thoughtfully.
Parent, Traci Carter, posted on the schools Facebook page — “This touch[ed] my graduate! My child will never forget principal Reaves.”