A touching video produced by McCallie School features five graduating seniors reflecting on their sixth-grade selves as they answer questions they posed years ago. The almost four-minute clip rapidly gained popularity, amassing over 29 million views on TikTok within just one day and even attracting attention from national media, including ABC’s “World News Tonight” and the “Today” show.
The seniors—Canon Brock, Will Turrell, Nkenge Ashford, Ward Richey, and Christian Lawhorn—participated in this unique reunion with their younger selves, prompted by videographer Brandan Roberts who showcased footage recorded seven years earlier. This nostalgic experience allowed the boys to revisit questions about their aspirations, favorite movies, and future plans.
Kenyatta Ashford, father of Nkenge, expressed joy in witnessing his son’s growth, remarking on the emotional impact of the video as a reminder of the dedicated years spent nurturing him through school. Ashford noted that the heartfelt nature of the clip illustrates the transformative journey that children undergo from their early years to graduation.
Duke Richey, a history teacher at McCallie and father to one of the featured boys, emphasized the positive emotional resonance of the video, especially during graduation season. He believes that the video’s message of vulnerability and maturity among teenage boys strikes a meaningful chord with audiences, showcasing an often-overlooked dimension of their character.
The response to the video has generated laughter and surprise among the boys as they revel in their newfound virality, while Richey reflects on his role as an educator striving to instill values of kindness and good character in his students. He stresses that the core takeaway from both the video and recent graduation speeches is the importance of being good individuals alongside academic achievements.
This heartwarming story highlights not only the growth of these young men but also the significant moments shared between parents and children, emphasizing that the effort put into upbringing often culminates in moments that reaffirm the purpose of parenting. The joyous reception online demonstrates a universal recognition of the bittersweet transition into adulthood for young people across the globe.