We all have our favorite teachers that we credit for changing our lives in some way. Perhaps they helped us love to read, or made math make sense; some teachers help students through difficult times in their personal lives. Teaching is not a career to go into if you want fame and fortune, but if you want to make a difference, it’s one of the best. “Today Show” host Willie Geist’s 6th-grade teacher at George Washington Middle School in Ridgewood, NJ, not only taught him a few things; his classroom was where he met his wife on September 3, 1986.
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“This is wild. I met @ChristinaSharkeyGeist 40 years ago *today* — on September 3, 1986 — in Mr. Kaplan’s homeroom at George Washington Middle School in Ridgewood, NJ… just as Bananarama was poised to seize the top spot on the charts with ‘Venus,’” Willie shared.
Willie Geist Shared a Class Photo from Mr. Kaplan’s Room
Willie Geist and his wife, Christina Sharkey Geist, had no idea how 6th grade would change everything, but they’re pretty darn lucky it did.
“Despite my general 11-year-old vibe in this class photo, Christina agreed to marry me 17 years later. That serendipitous 6th Grade homeroom assignment has given me everything. Thank you, Mr. Kaplan!” Willie Geist wrote on Instagram.
Fans loved the sweet story and couldn’t help but congratulate Willie and Christina.
“I love you and Christina’s “love story”! It’s wild that 40 years have gone by! Happy 40 years of knowing each other, and here’s to many more loving memories for you, Christina, and Mr. Kaplan,” a fan wrote.
Other students of Mr. Kaplan adored him, too. “Congrats, I had Mr Kaplan when he started teaching English at RHS. Great guy.”
Sometimes the stars line up early. What a lucky couple Willie and Christina are.
This story’s featured image is by NDZ/Star Max/GC Image
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