LARGO, Fla. — Choral Director Johnathon Bosse took over a music program at Morgan Fitzgerald Middle School that was in desperate need of a new voice.
“The kids had about 23 substitutes in about six weeks so it was a little 'Lord of the Flies,'” said Bosse.
In just a few months Bosse lifted the students’ motivation.
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“It’s so much more than the music itself it’s about the connections you are making with the students,” said Bosse.
In a note of appreciation, these sixth, seventh and eighth graders nominated Bosse for the Sun Basket Treat Your Teacher Award.
“Mr. Bosse comes in and has a smile every day, and just brings positive energy and gives hope to everybody,” said 7th grader Grace Polson.
“Mr. Bosse has really encouraged me to go after my dream of being a musical theater actress,” said 8th grader Bryana Villalona.
“He’s out of his league, there are teachers and then there is Mr. Bosse,” said 7th grader Robert Madden.
Out of hundreds of teachers nominated Bosse was one of ten chosen to win free meals for the rest of the school year.
“I’m paycheck to paycheck right now and to have that sort of gift is amazing,” said Bosse.
Bosse said a teacher’s lunch isn’t exactly glamorous, pointing to his energy drinks, apple and left overs.
“Absolutely, really going to be excited to have a nice meal,” said Bosse.
“Of course everyone needs food, everyone eats, and sometimes when people don’t get food it makes people sad and it makes me sad,” said 7th grader Kodi Clark.
Starting this week, Bosse’s appetite will be singing a brand new tune, as Sun Basket begins shipping meals right to his house.
“They’re all natural, they are high protein, they are low carb, they are low fat, they are healthy meals coming from local farms, it’s good stuff, I’ll be eating well for at least four or five days a week,” said Bosse.
