Leeds Middle School Librarian Susan Hutto, above center, is joined by Team Hutto, a staff and student group that organized a celebratory day this month for Hutto to show their support in her fight against cancer. The National Junior Honor Society provided pink #TeamHutto bracelets to the student body, LMS theatre conducted a pink parade throughout the hallways with Hutto as the parade leader and collectively the school raised $455 to donate to the Susan B. Komen Foundation in Mrs. Hutto’s name.

Love for a fellow teacher has brought Leeds Middle School staff and students together to focus on brightening the spirits of LMS librarian Susan Hutto.

Sporting shirts reading, “Team Hutto,” LMS is supporting Hutto in her journey of conquering cancer.

“I am so overwhelmed by all the support that I have received from everyone during this trial in my life,” said Hutto. “Everyone at LMS has been wonderful, not just today, but all year.  I thank you from the bottom of my heart for coordinating Hutto Day.”

 At LMS for several years, Hutto has provided students with the opportunity to open their worlds to endless possibilities through reading.

In a video made by LMS students, teachers, friends and students commented on what Mrs. Hutto means to them.

Amanda Mercer, former LMS art and family/consumer science teacher, now assistant principal at Rudd Middle School said, “Mrs. Hutto was one of my first friends when I came to Leeds Middle School. She was so hospitable. A few other great things about her are she is a selfless person with a heart for service and she has an awesome sense of humor. I love her and wish her the best.”

LMS eighth grade social studies teacher Angie Baldwin Morefield also feels blessed to call Hutto her friend.

“Susan genuinely cares about these students in our school,” said Morefield. “She wants them to be successful productive citizens.”

Several students shared their thoughts too.

One student said, “Mrs. Hutto is always nice even when she’s having her worst days.” While another added, “She’s one of the strongest ladies I know. She’s amazing.”

Micah, one of Mrs. Morefield’s students said, “She’s the best librarian and just really the coolest.”

Embracing the “think pink” motto while infusing the Greenwave spirit throughout the school, the National Junior Honor Society provided pink #TeamHutto bracelets to the student body, LMS theatre conducted a pink parade throughout the hallways with Hutto as the parade leader and collectively the school raised $455 to donate to the Susan B. Komen Foundation in Mrs. Hutto’s name.

The teachers came together as well throwing a reception to celebrate Hutto’s success and to cheer her on during the next process in her recovery.

“I was so surprised by all the activities – not one person gave up the secret! I know the students are so proud to be part of a goal in raising money to donate to the Susan G. Komen Foundation that helps fund finding a cure cancer every day,” said Hutto. “They are getting close to one, too. In fact, I am taking one drug that was not here ten years ago and another one which just came out of clinical trials two years ago which are helping to save my life and others’ lives who are battling this disease.”

Honored to have such a great support system on her side, Hutto extended her gratitude to her colleagues and students.

“I am blessed to work with finest faculty and student body!  Thank you again for a wonderful day and all the bracelets, t-shirt, crown, cards, hugs, and words of encouragement.”

With the support of her LMS family Hutto continues to stay strong and is determined to kick cancer.

“I am so overwhelmed by all the support that I have received from everyone during this trial in my life. Everyone at LMS has been wonderful, not just today, but all year. I thank you from the bottom of my heart for coordinating Hutto Day.”