A Teacher’s Unbelievable Comeback—And a $10K Surprise

Sponsored by Paper Mate | Tre Lawson’s story is one of love, determination, and showing up for the people who matter most. #PaperMatePartner

At 26, the special education teacher from Macon, Georgia, recently had a moment he’ll never forget - walking down the aisle at his brother Corey’s wedding. After months of training, he achieved something that once felt out of reach. Not to prove anything… just to be there for his brother. And for Corey, it meant everything.

After a car accident in 2017 changed the course of his life, Tre kept moving forward with purpose. Once a top-ranked hurdler in Georgia, he’s now channeling that same drive into his students at Southfield Elementary creating a classroom where kids feel supported, encouraged, and celebrated every single day.

To celebrate his impact, Paper Mate surprised Tre with a $10,000 gift to support his students —along with classroom supplies to keep that inspiration going.

A full-circle moment and a reminder that showing up, step by step, can mean everything. Tre Lawson may have been told he’d never walk again, but today, he’s doing more than that - he’s helping others rise with him!