At James Stephens Elementary School in Fort Myers, motorcycle engines roared and applause filled the air Monday morning.
It looked like anything but a typical first day of school – because there were much more than just teachers welcoming students back.
“I wish I could walk into work to this on my first day of work,” Maurice Sumter joked. “It'd be a much better place.”
Sumter is among those who volunteered his time to support the students on their first day. Firefighters, police officers, members of motorcycle clubs and more came together to form a tunnel at the entrance of the school, high-fiving students and cheering them on as they walked in.
“Hopefully I can give a smile to a young person that'll make their day," Sumter said.
Tamara Hunter, a teacher and coach at the school, organized the event, calling it a ‘Gentlemen’s Welcome’ for the students.
“We have women on campus all the time. We wanted more men on campus,” Hunter explained. “I want them to know that the men in our community support them 100 percent. And the only way they're going to know that is if we come out and show them."
As 9-year-old Aubrey Jones walked through the tunnel, her smile said it all.
“They're my supporters, they're going to be my friends,” she said. “I want to say thank you to those people who are supporting me.”
The hope is that this is just the beginning – a small start to a bigger belief: that more than just parents and teachers can support and shape the next generation.
“I know what it's like to be poured into. And I want to make sure everyone gets that same pour of wealth, of love, of joy, of excitement,” Hunter said. “When I say it takes a village, I mean it."