22-05-2025
Surprise reunion between Springfield teacher and student 50 years later makes national TV
SPRINGFIELD, Mass. (WWLP) – A retired teacher from Springfield Public Schools was surprised with a reunion on The Jennifer Hudson Show after over 50 years of teaching, where she was reunited with a former student.
Throughout many years of education, there is always that one teacher you often remember as making a difference. Sheree Nolley, a now-retired teacher from Springfield Public Schools, was in for a surprise as she was being featured during a segment on The Jennifer Hudson Show, a national talk show in its third season.
In a news release sent to 22News from Springfield Public Schools Spokesperson Azell Cavaan, Brightwood Principal Danielle Delgado worked closely with the show's producers to bring the surprise to life.
The Jennifer Hudson Show has a tradition called the spirit tunnel, where it hypes up guests before they take the stage. At Brightwood Elementary School in Springfield, Principal Delgado incorporated the spirit tunnel to cheer on students and bring positive energy.
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Last Thursday, on The Jennifer Hudson Show, Principal Delgado shared a video with the audience thanking Hudson for bringing joy and inspiring the students and staff at the school. In the audience, you can see the camera focus on former teacher Sheree Nolley, as the school in Springfield, Massachusetts, is mentioned.
Principal Delgado said that she was inspired by a member of the audience, Sheree Nolley. That's when Sheree was emotionally surprised to be featured on the show. Sheree retired in 2020 after 50 years of teaching. After the coronavirus pandemic, Sheree came back to teach due to the shortage.
Sheree's first class she taught was in 1976, she was shown a picture featuring Olga Cordero, her former Kindergarten student. Sheree talked about teaching Olga and receiving a letter from her, over 40 years later. That's when she was told Olga was there on the show for a surprise reunion.
In the video segment, Olga shares how Sheree changed her life, turning a language barrier into a superpower. It has had over 16,000 views so far. To watch the 8-minute segment, visit The Jennifer Hudson Show on YouTube.
'Reuniting with a former student after 50 years was powerful. That one moment affirmed a lifetime of purpose and reminded me that what we pour into our students today shapes their tomorrow,' said Sheree.
'The segment is more than a reunion, I think it captured for the audience just how far love, learning, and community can carry us as students and beyond,' said Principal Delgado.
En Vogue was also on the show, watch the four step through the spirit tunnel before they sing their hit song 'Hold On'.
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