Video: New Hope Football Team Honors A Special Teacher

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LOWNDES COUNTY,  Miss. (WCBI) –  Excited New Hope students and fans lined the streets of the town for their annual homecoming parade. Cheering on their football team under the Friday night lights means a little more this week than any other Friday night game. During their homecoming celebrations, it was more than just a pep rally. The football players wanted to honor a special teacher who is fighting a tough battle.

It’s homecoming at New Hope.

First the parade.

And then the pep rally.

But the excitement isn’t all about the much anticipated game…

The football players want to honor a New Hope teacher who is currently fighting breast cancer.

In her 8th year of teaching at New Hope, Dr. Teresa Smith was diagnosed in July and had surgery in August.

“It’s kind of an emotional feeling actually but this is just a wonderful community. I can’t say enough nice things about New Hope,” said Dr. Smith.

Smith says it’s that support which lifts her spirits daily.

“Right now I feel excellent. If you’d of seen me two weeks ago, I was a different person right after having chemo,” said Dr. Smith.

25 years ago, Smiths mother was diagnosed with breast cancer and now, she says this is not only support for her journey but also for research into breast cancer.

“Technology and medicine and everything. And I have two daughters and if they were to have it, they may have a cure by then,” said Dr. Smith.

Smith has three rounds of chemotherapy left but she plans on returning to the classroom as soon as possible.

“I will definitely be back in January, no doubt about that but hopefully, maybe even before Christmas for a little while,” said Dr. Smith.

The ceremony was a surprise to Smith and her family. The football team gave her a signed New Hope football to show their support of her.