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Joy

Junior high principal grabs a pom, joins the cheer squad for 'ROWDY' routine, and nails it

"That’s how you have a great relationship with your students."

Courtesy of mayherfam7/Instagram

Mr. Turner turned up with the cheerleaders, much to everyone's delight.

People who dedicate themselves to the education of children and youth are usually some of the most admirable people on the planet, just by default. But sometimes a teacher, coach or administrator goes above and beyond the call of duty, reminding us of how valuable educators are, not only to the students they serve but to society at large.

Levi Turner is the principal of Burnett Junior High School in Wylie, Texas, and a video of him cheering with the school's cheer squad is delighting people everywhere.

School principal takes school spirit to the next level

A mom in the stands filmed Mr. Turner joining the cheerleaders on the track to lead the crowd in the classic "ROWDY" cheer. One of the cheerleaders gave the principal one of her poms just before they started, and he ran with it. Not only did he know the cheer, but he knew all the moves that went along with it and performed them perfectly.

Watch:

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People loved seeing Mr. Turner joyfully and confidently cheering along with the students.

"As a former high school cheerleader, being able to do this w the principal would’ve been so much fun. This guy gets it!"

"Definitely a memorable moment for the cheerleaders and audience watching! All spirit and smiles up there! Go Mr. T!! 👏📣"

"This is everything!! What an amazing leader and principal. 👏❤️"

"I don’t know why this just absolutely made my day, but it did! Nice job young ladies and well done sir !!!"

"I love how his enthusiasm just grows as it keeps going! ❤❤"

"These are core memories for the cheerleaders, well done Mr. Principal!"

Even ESPN shared a video of Mr. Turner cheering alongside the Buccaneer cheerleaders

Mr. Turner joined the Buccaneer cheerleaders again, only a little more prepared this time, with two poms and some extra school spirit in his attire. That video was even shared on ESPN's TikTok:

@espn
10 out of 10, no notes👏 (via @Burnett Bucs Cheer) #cheer #cheerleader #school #principal #football

When educators go out of their way to bond with students, its shows them that they aren't just there as an authoritarian taskmasters or managers of administration, but caring adults who are there to support them. It's okay for authority figures to have fun and share joyful moments with students. It's more than okay—it's a hallmark of someone who understands what it takes to help kids thrive.

Good education is a holistic endeavor that requires building relationships

For instance, remember the 8th grade teacher who engaged in a dance-off with students? These are both perfect examples of education being about so much more than just classroom instruction. Educating a student is a holistic process, involving not only "teaching" as we traditionally think of it, but also building trusting relationships. Sometimes that might be serving as a mentor or counselor when a student is struggling with something. And sometime that means finding opportunities to enjoy things together, like dancing or cheerleading.

via GIPHY

When students understand deep down that the adults charged with their education care about them, not just as numbers but as human beings, they will be more likely to demonstrate the kind of respect, dedication and effort we want to see in them. You can try to scare kids into submission or you can try to inspire them into desirable behavior. The latter generally works better and is a whole lot more enjoyable for everyone involved.

The students at Burnett Junior High School may not remember every fact or formula they're taught in class, but they will always remember the principal who grabbed a pom and let the crowd alongside the cheerleaders. Walking the talk of school spirit. Practicing what he preaches. Working with the students, not against them. Setting an example for everyone.

It may only be a brief glimpse, but sometimes that's enough to see a true leader in action. Three cheers for Mr. Turner. Let's hope his students understand how lucky they are to have him.

From Your Site Articles

education

Lynn Johnson first discovered the legendary turtle hat after a painful slog through Purgatory in 1996.

Purgatory Resort in Colorado, that is, where Johnson was skiing with friends and ended up tearing his ACL on the slopes.

But on that fateful night, as he hobbled his way to dinner, he saw the green, shell-patterned flatcap shining like a beacon in the gift shop. So of course he plopped it on his head right then and there.

The turtle hat goes to the beach. All photos provided by Lynn Johnson and used with permission.

The hat soon became his trademark accessory. He wore it on vacations and on his days off. He found it bestowed him with an almost magical sense of delight.

It didn't take long for Johnson to notice the remarkable ways his turtle hat could disarm any situation and immediately put people at ease. "When I’m out without it [the hat] I can notice the difference. It’s a good prop, like a smile, and you already cross that 'Oh, we’re friendly' line," he said.

A turtle hat with its turtle-turtle friend. (I'm not sure if they can tell the difference?)

But the more he wore the hat with cheerful powers, the more it wore out.

Within five years, his beloved turtle hat had started to fray; its once-bright-green shell now faded to a dullish brown. He had the lining changed, but after the tags still fell off, he realized he'd never be able to find its creator. Still, he refused to throw it away.

"My daughters, now grown and married, hardly remember a time I did not have the turtle hat," he said on Kickstarter. "For them it is rich with memories of relaxed days when Dad let his hair down."

After 16 years, Johnson did find another turtle hat waiting for him in an online vintage store — but soon that one too succumbed to the pressures of weather and wear.

Lynn Johnson pouring champagne at his daughter's wedding — while, of course, wearing his turtle hat.

After two decades of turtle-hatted-happiness, the future was looking bleak and hatless for Lynn Johnson — until a brilliant plan broke through the shell of his mind.

After reaching out to some friends in the clothing industry, Johnson realized he could use the pattern from his existing hat to have a new one custom-made! ... The only problem was that he needed a minimum order of $5,000.

Even for him, that's a whole lot of turtle hats.

So on Aug. 26, 2016, Johnson launched a Kickstarter campaign to sell his turtle hats — and in less than a week, he passed his goal. "I want to share the fun of a hat which has given my family laughter and joy for 20 years," he said. "It is a self help course in chilling out."

The original turtle hat, disassembled and turned into a pattern for the new production line.

Of course, a great power like the turtle hat also comes with great responsibility, and Johnson makes it clear that ownership is a commitment.

"You cannot take yourself too seriously with a turtle on your head,"he explained in his official campaign disclaimer. "If you are easily offended or do not have a good sense of humor, please do not get a hat for yourself, get it for someone you want to give a hard time and have a good laugh with!"

And, yes, he even expanded on these rules by stipulating the Terms and Conditions of wearing a turtle hat on his website, such as "You must slow down when wearing this hat... Turtles never run over anyone."

Lynn Johnson blends into the woods when he goes out walking in his turtle hat.

Yes, the turtle hat is a little corny. But it's Johnson's genuine sincerity that makes his story so endearing.

It's hard enough to watch the turtle hat campaign video without feeling a big, goofy smile alight across your face. So imagine the positive effect it would have to see a turtle hat in real life. Thanks to Johnson, that kind of wholesome happiness is spreading. Slow and steady might win the race — but sometimes silliness makes it worth running in the first place.

You can check out Johnson's charming campaign video below and buy your own turtle hat as well, if you still need some help coming out of your shell.

cheer

Junior high principal grabs a pom, joins the cheer squad for 'ROWDY' routine, and nails it

"That’s how you have a great relationship with your students."

School principal takes school spirit to the next level

Even ESPN shared a video of Mr. Turner cheering alongside the Buccaneer cheerleaders

Good education is a holistic endeavor that requires building relationships

Your favorite new Kickstarter is a dad sharing the magic of his turtle hat.

Lynn Johnson first discovered the legendary turtle hat after a painful slog through Purgatory in 1996.

The hat soon became his trademark accessory. He wore it on vacations and on his days off. He found it bestowed him with an almost magical sense of delight.

But the more he wore the hat with cheerful powers, the more it wore out.

After two decades of turtle-hatted-happiness, the future was looking bleak and hatless for Lynn Johnson — until a brilliant plan broke through the shell of his mind.

Of course, a great power like the turtle hat also comes with great responsibility, and Johnson makes it clear that ownership is a commitment.

Yes, the turtle hat is a little corny. But it's Johnson's genuine sincerity that makes his story so endearing.

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