COLUMBIANA COUNTY, Ohio - Twelve senior athletes from South Range High School spent part of their school day on Friday showing appreciation to the teachers who have helped shape their high school experience.

Senior football players and cheerleaders stepped out of class to personally thank the educators who made the biggest impact on them, as part of the school's senior impact project.

Each student prepared short remarks and surprised their chosen teacher with a visit and a custom t-shirt to wear during the school's senior night football game.

This gesture celebrated the strong connection between teachers and their students. It showed the positive impact that these dedicated educators have on their lives.

Senior Gia Guerrieri explained why she chose her eleventh-grade teacher, Mrs. Chrissy Shaffer.

"Mrs. Shaffer is just always someone that I could have come and talked to literally about anything...so I always knew that it would be her, because I really enjoyed being in her class, just talking to her," Guerrieri  said. 

Mrs. Shaffer expressed her gratitude for being recognized by Guerrieri  .

"This is my fifth year teaching, and there's been lots of little moments like this, but this definitely, I would say top three for sure," Shaffer said.