Katie, an English teacher in Richmond, Va., received the greatest surprise of her life from her former student, Clay, who is now a leader at Stand Together. When Clay was in high school, Katie saw a gift in him and she served as a mentor and coach that he never forgot. Her support and encouragement for him and so many other students led to a belief in themselves that changed their lives – and had a ripple effect across their lives and others’.

The greatest gift one person can give to another is to see what they do well and empower them to do more of it. This is just one example of the transformation that can happen when teachers, parents, friends, and others believe in people.

Watch the video to see how Clay and Stand Together helped organized a huge surprise from Katie’s former students that she will never forget.

Learn more about Stand Together’s issue areas.

Learn more about the Believe in People movement here and share a story of someone who believed in you.