Volleyball players honored the teachers and staff members they say have made the most difference in their lives before their Tuesday night volleyball game. The players shared notes and small gifts with their staffers. 

Head coach Judith Harris started this recognition night when she came to Buffalo due to the impact her teachers and coaches had on her when she was in school.

“My teacher and coaches saved my life,” Harris said. “I was going down a dark path and my teachers inspired me to fix my life. I want to do the same for other kids.

Harris said she knew that it would be good for the staff members to know that their hard work was not invisible, as well.

“I  really wanted teachers to know how much they impact students,” Harris said. “I and I thought this was a good way to do it.”

Senior Pari Bharat has been playing volleyball for four years and said she looks forward to this night each year. 

“I really enjoyed teacher appreciation night,” Bharat said. “I love letting teachers know how much we appreciate them and how much they encourage us to be better.” 

Harris does not plan to stop this tradition as long as she is here and plans to do more for the event each year. 

“I really like this tradition because of how it lets teachers know the impact they have in these kids’ lives,” Harris said. “I want to make this night better every year.”