This year, there were so many special moments that united us during tough times.

In.

North Carolina, cheers for beloved elementary school assistant principal, Jordan Farrell, battling breast cancer.

What's the message that you wanted to convey to Jordan?

That we're all behind her 100 %. There were.

So many gestures of support during illnesses.

I don't even know you. I don't even know you.

For friends, mothers, and brothers.

Treat it well. Handle it with care. It is special.

We were there when Lea Osman met Jason Summers. He's the man who received the heart donated from Lea's late son. I wondered what it was like when you put your head to his chest and listened.

Overall, it was just an amazing, happy moment for everybody.

Congratulations. You got a good heart. Thank you so much. Oh, my God.

I got in.

We saw hard work pay off.

Students fighting out, they got into college. I'm in pain. Passing important to them. Student athletes were winning, too. Celebrating after fighting out, they earned full scholarships. We're going to pay for the rest of this school. You have no more bills.

We also.

Honored our nation's heroes.

No. No. No, no.

Once again in the arms of loved ones after months overseas.

What's up, guys?

How are you?

I.

Missed you.

At this country music concert, Army first Sergeant Jeff Dorothy stunned his wife, Shannon. Was it almost like time is going at a hundred miles an hour and frozen at the same time?

Yeah. Yeah. And I was like, Are you here right now and this is happening? We'll be able to hold on to that moment for the rest of our lives. Yes. This is McGinley.

We also saw how much educators make a difference. Amy McGinley won the Philadelphia Phillies All-Star Teachers Award.

That moment meant everything. It's the culmination of 35 years of blood, sweat, and tears.

In Michigan-.

And you're amazing. And I.

Love you. Tears flowed when these middle school teachers read notes of gratitude to their students. Yeah.

You.

Light up our classroom with your kindness, and you are going to make the world a better place.

What.

Is it about Amaya that you wanted to recognize?

Her leadership. She showed me that she's there for me.

Often it was our nation's young people who showed us the way.

In.

South Carolina, high school basketball manager, Carson Waters, who has down syndrome, made this epic shot. If we can.

Open our hearts and open our minds to people who may not look like us or may not act like us or may not learn like us, we might actually learn something from them.

The 1-0. When this.

College softball player collapsed with an injury while rounding the bases, the other team lifted her up, carrying her all the way to.

Home plate. At that point, competition, win, lose, it did not matter to us. We saw someone in need and we just stepped in because we knew that was the right thing to do.

And talk about the power of perseverance. That's Hannah Hunsley, using every last bit of strength, determined to finish this race after an accident left her paralyzed.

Final, girl.

The moment of crossing the finish line, I had to.

Earn it.

I'll be living that moment for the.

Rest of my life.

Moments of personal triumph and connection.

She's amazing.

Lifting us up. All year long.

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