Marine veteran selected as one of the 2018 Phillies All-Star Teachers

Downingtown, Pa. (WTXF) - A smile and a laugh can mean the world. Jon Wilson, a teacher and Marine veteran, gave those exact gifts to his student Lillian Yost. She could not be more appreciative.

In fact, she wrote an essay that led to an emotional moment at the Marsh Creek Sixth Grade Center in Downingtown.

On Tuesday, the Philly Phanatic joined students and staff to honor Wilson as one of the 2018 Phillies All-Star Teachers.

Lillian had gone through a tough time with bullies at school, but Mr. Wilson helped lift her out of those dark times and she wanted to show how much it meant.

"I try to tell these kids every day--I try to tell my students how beautiful they are and how amazing they are just for being them," he said.

On Friday, the Philllies will honor Wilson on-field at Citizens Bank Park along with nine other teachers as part of the 18th annual Teacher Appreciation Night.