Pope John senior football players turn Homecoming into a tribute to teachers who shaped their lives
SPARTA TOWNSHIP, N.J. (Sussex County) — At Pope John XXIII Regional High School, this year’s Homecoming celebration was about more than football — it was about gratitude. Senior football players took time to honor the teachers and staff who have made a lasting impact on their lives, continuing a heartfelt school tradition.
The idea, said Austin Braun, Director of Communications at Pope John XXIII Regional High School, began last year when parents of football players noticed a growing trend across schools in which athletes recognized influential mentors and loved ones.
“Last year, parents from our football team found a trend where football players would honor their teachers or loved ones who made an impact on their lives,” Braun told RNJ. “So the idea was that our seniors would give these impact shirts to our faculty and staff to show their appreciation for all their hard work. Each shirt has the player’s number on it so the teacher can then wear the shirts to the Homecoming game.”
Braun said the gesture, which started in 2024, has already become a meaningful Pope John tradition. “This is one of our newest traditions here at Pope John. It started last year in 2024 so this was their second time doing it. The team plans to continue this tradition with each senior class,” he said.
Teachers and staff, he added, were deeply touched by the recognition. “All the teachers were very appreciative of their student’s gesture,” Braun said. “Teachers work very hard for little to no recognition. So to have a student say thank you for impacting their lives is a huge blessing for them.”
Head Football Coach Dom Gaston said the tradition is about family and gratitude. “This is a new tradition here at Pope John. It started with last year’s senior class, and they just wanted to show their appreciation they have for all their teachers,” Gaston said. “A unique thing about Pope John is that we are a PreK–12 Academy and most of our student-athletes start here in PreK. They just want to give back to the community and the teachers that made an impression on them and their lives. We are a big family here at Pope John and it is great to give back to the people we care about.”
For the senior players, the event carried special meaning as they played their final Homecoming game. “With it being their last Homecoming game, I believe this tradition gives our senior players the chance to show their appreciation and recognize the difference makers that changed their lives,” Braun said.
Senior football player Shawn Baumann shared how meaningful the experience was for him. “It was great because I feel like Father John Calabro is such a great mentor for me,” Baumann said. “I go to him asking questions all the time about certain topics and he always has the right thing to say. I feel that the lessons that he’s given me, moving forward, I can translate into my college life and my life moving forward. Father Calabro has made the biggest impact on me in my life at Pope John and it was great to thank him for all that he has done.”
Teachers echoed similar sentiments, saying the recognition reminded them of the deep connections they share with their students.
“I was truly honored to receive a football impact shirt from #58 (Ethan),” said Laurie Lynch, Pope John social studies teacher. “It reminded me why I love teaching — the lasting connections that we make with our students. I am so grateful to the football team and to all my students over the last 20 years for making this career so meaningful.”
“I was so honored to receive the T-shirt from Prince,” said Grace Halevy, Pope John business teacher. “It meant so much to me. I know it sounds cliché, but to know that you made an impact in a student’s life is what every teacher hopes for. Knowing that there is a chance I can make a difference is why I love being a teacher.”
“This tradition really speaks to the heart of teaching — the hope that you have positively touched and perhaps even shaped the future. You never know,” said Joyce Cluess, Pope John English teacher. “So when a student walks through the door and tells you that you’ve made a difference… it’s a beautiful moment.”
“It means a lot to be recognized by the students,” said Joseph Giovannone, Pope John mathematics teacher. “A lot of careful preparation goes into what we do every day, and it helps to be reminded of the positive impact it has for them. I really appreciate the gratitude and think it speaks strongly to the character of our students.”
Braun said the initiative reflects Pope John’s values of community, gratitude, and service. “As a community we appreciate the hard work that our faculty and staff put into Pope John,” he said. “The faculty and staff are the bedrock of our institution. This event is a way for our players to honor the people that make Pope John a great school and community.”
Looking ahead, the football team intends to continue the “impact shirts” tradition in future years — and Braun hopes it will inspire others. “As of right now, the impact shirts will continue to be a football team tradition for our upcoming Homecoming celebrations,” he said. “We encourage our clubs and other teams to follow similar or create their own traditions as we continue to honor the teachers who made an impact.”
