A North Carolina principal has given his students a graduation memory they will never forget, by belting out a stunning rendition of 'I Will Always Love You'.
The tear-jerking moment occurred last week during the graduation commencement ceremony at T. Wingate Andrews High School in High Point.
As reported by ABC News, principal Marcus Gause broke into the 1973 Dolly Parton hit to surprise the graduating seniors. (Of course, the song topped the charts back in the 90s after being covered by the late Whitney Houston.)
Fortunately for the rest of the world, Gause's rendition of the power ballad was captured on camera, and later went viral on social media.
After breaking into song, the crowd immediately erupt into applause, and continued to cheer throughout the stunning performance.
Following the ceremony, the footage was shared to Twitter, where it has since amassed over one million views.
Additionally, Twitter users have been left rocked by the performance, with one social media user writing: "Dr. Marcus Gause... I had to grab some tissue during your performance! You truly love your students & you show them. You are an amazing leader & I am so happy that you are serving as principal at my former high school. Truly amazing my friend".
A second added: "I'm in tears! To all our young people who have succeeded on these trying times we love you for you! What a heartfelt going forward blessing from their principal!"
And a third Twitter user wrote: "Wow! What a send off! My hat off to this principal and educator! Thank you for being an inspiration to the young people! Many blessings".
Gause later told ABC News that the song was the perfect way of letting his students know: "Regardless of where you go, I hope that life treats you kind, and I hope all your dreams come true."
In the interview, the principal also spoke about being nervous before breaking into song.
"Of course, there was a nervousness because nobody sings behind Whitney Houston and the greats like Dolly Parton," Gause said. "Nut the lyrics were really what I was trying to portray to my students."
"One of the things that the pandemic has really taught us is that we need more love, that students know that we love and care for them," he added.
Well done to Principal Gause and well done to all of your amazing students!
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