GLENDALE, ARIZONA: In an inspiring act of unity, students from Foothills Elementary joined forces to stand by their cherished teacher, Greg Lubert, who is currently battling Pancreatic cancer.
The seasoned educator, whom his student described as "funny and kind," was diagnosed at the beginning of the academic year after he returned from retirement to teach the sixth grade.
Subsequently, he had to step down from his position.
Drawing inspiration from the book 'Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes', the students set out on a journey to create a thousand paper cranes, symbolizing their wishes for their teacher's recovery and well-being.
"The children were very upset and crying when I gave them the news," stated Principal Sherry Stillman, per ABC 15.
Why did the students make a thousand paper cranes for the teacher?
Greg Lubert is deeply admired and respected and has made a significant impact on numerous students with his captivating nature. His recent cancer diagnosis has profoundly moved his students.
Motivated by the book 'Sadako and the Thousand Paper Cranes', which tells the story of Sadako Sasaki, the students chose to express their concern and support for him. One student voiced their sentiment, saying, "I want him to know we care about him."
"Our teacher told us about the legend of a thousand cranes," shared another as they recounted the tale.
In the narrative, a young girl suffers from radiation sickness as a result of the atomic bomb dropped on Hiroshima, Japan. Confronted with a severe prognosis, she is informed that if she crafts a thousand paper cranes, she will be granted a single wish.
"In the book, the girl didn’t make a thousand in time, and she ended up passing so we wanted to hurry up and make a thousand for Mr Lubert," explained one student.
Thus, they began the meticulous task of folding the origami cranes, one at a time, with a sense of urgency. After nearly two weeks of persistent effort, they achieved their goal on Tuesday, November 7.
"We just hope he wishes to get better," added a student.
How did the other teachers react to the kind act of their students?
"I see amazement and I see them believing in the fact that there could be a wish," stated sixth-grade teacher Vanessa Goolsby, as she added, "It’s because of him and his effort that we have such amazing students."
"It is such a great display of all of the love they have for this amazing teacher," added Principal Sherry Stillman.
The origami cranes were reportedly delivered to Greg Lubert's residence.
How did Greg Lubert respond to the love and care of his students?
"It's overwhelming," expressed Greg Lubert as his voice choked with emotion.
He continued, "I've been there for only two months, and I can't believe the outpouring of the Foothills Fine Arts Academy, from everyone, the faculty, the kids, the parents, it's just been unbelievable."
GoFundMe launched for Greg Lubert
A crowdfunding campaign was initiated online to assist Greg Lubert in financing his ongoing medical treatment.
"Not only have we at Foothills been fortunate enough to embrace his always sunny disposition and words of wisdom, but we observed his unwavering ability to help his students reach their full potential no matter the cost," read the description of the GoFundMe campaign.
It continued, "We watched as he meticulously observed the needs of each of his students and worked on devising a plan to help each individual child receive the important information they missed when the world was in the middle of a lockdown. We watched as he would structure his classes to show and accept respect and responsibility when it was needed."
"Greg did this effortlessly and in turn, gave us teachers the much-needed desire and love for teaching once again," stated the description.
It further added, "Overall, we cannot thank Greg enough for all of the support and love that he has had for his students, colleagues, school, and above all his community in both Manhattan, New York for Our Lady of Pompeii School for the Archdiocese and here in Glendale, Arizona at Foothills Elementary."
