Principal Writes Personal Letters
In a time when quick texts, automated emails, and pre-printed certificates have become the norm, one Texas high school principal took a vastly different—and deeply personal—approach to honoring his graduating class. Jason Mutterer, principal of Mansfield Summit High School in Arlington, Texas, wrote 443 handwritten notes—one for each senior graduating in the Class of 2025.
His motivation? To make sure every single student felt truly seen.
“I wanted each graduate to know that they mattered—that someone took the time to recognize their unique journey,” Mutterer said. “This was never meant to be a big announcement or a statement. It was just something I felt was important.”
The idea first came to him at the start of the school year. As a principal known for attending virtually every school event and learning the names and stories of his students, Mutterer felt the weight of what it meant to guide another class to the finish line. This year, however, he wanted to go beyond the usual handshake and photo op.
So in the months leading up to graduation, Mutterer dedicated his evenings and weekends to writing personalized notes for each senior. He spent hours reviewing transcripts, student profiles, yearbooks, club and team rosters, and teacher feedback to make each message unique. Many notes included references to specific accomplishments, leadership moments, or acts of kindness that might otherwise have gone unrecognized.
“These students have gone through so much—from pandemic disruptions earlier in their high school years to adjusting back to in-person learning and facing today’s social pressures,” Mutterer said. “They deserved something meaningful to mark this milestone.”
On graduation day—June 10—seniors were handed their personalized notes alongside their diplomas. The notes were written on Summit High School stationery and sealed in envelopes with each student’s name written neatly in Mutterer’s own hand.
For some, the messages were motivational. For others, they were filled with memories—mentions of academic comebacks, leadership in student organizations, or dedication to school spirit events. Each one was a snapshot of how a principal had come to know and value every student.
“I opened mine after the ceremony and was speechless,” said Sarah Torres, a senior heading to the University of Texas at Austin. “He mentioned my first day of freshman year when I got lost and how I later became a tour guide for new students. I had no idea he even knew that.”
Jayden Wallace, a senior athlete, said his note included a reference to an injury he had overcome junior year. “It reminded me how far I’ve come. It meant the world that he noticed.”
Parents were equally moved by the gesture. “It’s one thing to run a school,” said Angela Brown, whose son Caleb graduated this year. “It’s another to make time for something like this—something that’s entirely about heart.”
Teachers and staff say they weren’t surprised. “That’s just Mr. Mutterer,” said Michelle Dean, a counselor at Mansfield Summit. “He believes in leading with empathy and presence. If he has to stay here late to do something that benefits students, he will. These notes weren’t just words—they were acts of care.”
The notes quickly became a viral sensation after students began posting them on social media, with hashtags like #SummitStrong and #ThanksMrMutterer gaining traction across Texas and beyond. Alumni chimed in with their own stories of how Mutterer had made an impact during their time at the school.
The Mansfield Independent School District released a statement commending Mutterer’s dedication: “Principal Jason Mutterer exemplifies the type of leadership that defines our district—one that places students first and values relationships at the core of education.”
Despite the praise, Mutterer remains humble. “This was never about going viral,” he said. “It was about making sure that when our students left this campus for the last time, they knew they were appreciated and believed in.”
As the Class of 2025 ventures into the next chapter—whether it be college, military service, the workforce, or personal pursuits—they carry more than just a diploma. Many now carry a handwritten note from a principal who made it his mission to acknowledge their efforts, celebrate their strengths, and remind them that they matter.
In an age of fast communication, Principal Jason Mutterer’s handwritten messages serve as a powerful reminder: Sometimes the most enduring impact comes not from what’s said, but from what’s written with heart, intention, and genuine belief in the potential of every student.
