• Video
  • Shop
  • Culture
  • Family
  • Wellness
  • Food
  • Living
  • Style
  • Travel
  • News
  • Book Club
  • GMA3: WYNTK
  • Newsletter
  • Privacy Policy
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • Terms of Use
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Contact Us
  • © 2025 ABC News
  • News

400 Students Gather Outside Cancer-Stricken Teacher’s Home to Sing

1:22
Drew Maddux
400 Students Gather Outside Cancer-Stricken Teacher's Home to Sing
Courtesy Drew Maddux
ByGood Morning America
September 12, 2016, 6:55 PM

— -- Hundreds of students serenaded their beloved teacher Mr. Ellis outside his home last week to show support during his fight with an aggressive cancer.

"It was one of the most beautiful things I've ever seen in my entire life," said Nate Morrow, headmaster at the school where Ellis works. "He is one of the kindest and intentionally loving people I've ever met in my life. I think that's what really characterizes him. He's always pursuing other people in wanting to get to know them and love them."

Ben Ellis has been teaching Latin and Bible at Christ Presbyterian Academy in Nashville, Tennessee, since 2008. Last year, Ellis was diagnosed with cancer and began chemotherapy treatments, but that didn't stop him from showing up for his students.

Related Articles

3-Year-Old Battling Cancer to be Sworn into FDNY as 'Junior Firefighter'

Related Articles

Mom Who Cared for Her Kids With Cancer Now Faces Same Fight

Related Articles

Tears Flow When Kids Serenade Their Teacher Fighting Cancer

"He has remained involved in the CPA community even throughout his extensive treatment," a school representative wrote to ABC News. He and his wife Shelley have five children, all attending CPA."

On Sept. 7, more than 400 faculty members and students, grades 9 through 12, gathered outside the home of Mr. Ellis.

400 students from Christ Presbyterian Academy in Nashville, Tennessee stood outside the home of teacher Ben Ellis, who is battling an aggressive form of cancer, Sept. 7, 2016.
Courtesy Drew Maddux

For 30 minutes, they played instruments and sang.

"I love you," Ellis wrote in a note to his students. "I believe now more than ever that God is good, and that he is with us...."

On Sept. 10, country star Tim McGraw shared a video of Ellis peering from his window to hear his students sing.

400 students from Christ Presbyterian Academy in Nashville, Tennessee stood outside the home of teacher Ben Ellis, who is battling an aggressive form of cancer, Sept. 7, 2016.
Courtesy Drew Maddux

The post received more than 20 million views on Facebook.

"I think we were honored that so many people would watch a man receive love from his students," Morrow said. "Ben is a dear man and the fact that people want to honor him, we are so grateful."

He added: "We are praying for his family, praying for his kids that are in our hallway everyday and trying to walk through this as a community."

Ellis appeared on "Good Morning America" today, revealing how grateful he was for his students' surprise.

"In that moment, I felt like I was not alone," he said.

Up Next in News—

Meet Opal Lee, the 'grandmother of the movement' to make Juneteenth a federal holiday

June 18, 2025

American tourists speak out after escaping Mount Etna eruption

June 3, 2025

Todd Chrisley speaks out for 1st time since Trump's pardon

May 30, 2025

Couple speaks out after dramatic rescue by Carnival cruise ship crew

May 27, 2025

Shop GMA Favorites

ABC will receive a commission for purchases made through these links.

Sponsored Content by Taboola

The latest lifestyle and entertainment news and inspiration for how to live your best life - all from Good Morning America.
  • Contests
  • Terms of Use
  • Privacy Policy
  • Do Not Sell My Info
  • Children’s Online Privacy Policy
  • Advertise with us
  • Your US State Privacy Rights
  • Interest-Based Ads
  • About Nielsen Measurement
  • Press
  • Feedback
  • Shop FAQs
  • ABC News
  • ABC
  • All Videos
  • All Topics
  • Sitemap

© 2025 ABC News
  • Privacy Policy— 
  • Your US State Privacy Rights— 
  • Children's Online Privacy Policy— 
  • Interest-Based Ads— 
  • Terms of Use— 
  • Do Not Sell My Info— 
  • Contact Us— 

© 2025 ABC News