Deerlake Middle School Students Honored Teacher

Students in Tallahassee surprised their teacher with a Mardi Gras-themed event ahead of her brain surgery.

Updated on Oct. 6, 2026 in Secondary Education

Gouache-painted illustration of purple, gold, and green Mardi Gras beads on a schoolyard railing, symbolizing a community's support. — Students at Tallahassee’s Deerlake Middle School organized a supportive surprise gathering for teacher Jessica Kostelak as she prepares for upcoming brain surgery. AI Illustration. Upload story photo >

Students at Deerlake Middle School held a surprise event for teacher Jessica Kostelak as she prepares to take a leave of absence for brain surgery. The supportive gathering took place at the school bus ramp.

Why it matters

The event served as a way for the school community to demonstrate care and solidarity for a teacher facing a significant medical procedure.

The surprise gathering at Deerlake Middle School featured a Mardi Gras theme where students distributed beads to the teacher. The event was held at the school bus ramp to support the educator.

The players

Jessica Kostelak

She is a teacher at Deerlake Middle School who is taking a leave of absence for brain surgery.

Deerlake Middle School

It is a middle school located in Tallahassee, Florida, that hosted the student-led support event.

The details

Students lined the bus ramp and presented beads to Jessica Kostelak in a show of support for her upcoming medical leave. The school community adopted a Mardi Gras theme for the day to provide a festive atmosphere for the teacher.

Friday, October 2, 2026: Students held a support event for Jessica Kostelak at the school bus ramp.

Culture Shift

This event follows a pattern set by the widespread school tradition of community support gestures. Such actions reflect a shift toward fostering emotional connection and mental health awareness within educational environments.

The event highlights the supportive environment cultivated at Deerlake Middle School for both faculty and students. Residents in the Tallahassee area may view this as a demonstration of community-building practices within local schools.

The takeaway

Small acts of kindness can significantly impact the well-being of community members facing personal health crises. Schools often serve as vital hubs for fostering such compassion during difficult transitions.