Ask students at Northridge High School in Layton, Utah, who their favorite teacher is and chances are they’ll name Andrew Olson.
The social studies teacher, who also coaches basketball and football at the school, is adored by the teenagers he works with. He feels the same about them. “He loves them. They’re like his little brothers or kids,” his wife Tina said.
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So when Olson, a captain in the Army National Guard, was recently deployed to Afghanistan, he made sure to let his students and players know he missed them while he was gone.
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He probably didn’t realize just how important his role in their lives really is until he returned home five months later. Wanting to surprise them, he planned to show up unannounced during class on March 4. Students thought they were going to have a guest speaker that day. But when Olson walked through the door, they freaked out.
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The school’s vice principal recorded the heartwarming moment students and players saw Olson for the first time in months. Teen boys jumped out of their seats and barreled toward their beloved coach and teacher as others clapped and cheered.
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Clearly, the boys who jumped into Olson’s arms and practically knocked him over felt his absence the most.
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“With being a teacher, coach, and in the military, he lives to serve others,” Tina said. And his passion definitely hasn’t gone unnoticed, least of all by the high schoolers who look up to him so much.
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The video of Olson’s surprise return touched the hearts of thousands, who commended Olson for being such a great role model to his students.
“Beautiful to see this coach has been such a positive impact to his student. What a great example,” one person wrote. Another added, “Tell me teachers don’t play a significant role in their student’s lives. This is awesome.”
Welcome back, Captain Olson! This story is a shining example of the riches you get back when you invest time, care, and love into what you do. Watch below as the students adorably lose their minds when they see their teacher and coach and share to thank Olson for his service.
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