Mackenzie Gill, a kindergarten teacher at Ecole St. John Paul II is featured with students in the video that has gone viral and found a spot on the talk show Tuesday. Courtesy/Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education

By Jesse Gill

IN THE COMMUNITY

Medicine Hat Catholic school video featured on U.S. talk show

Jun 19, 2025 | 8:01 AM

A viral video on the Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education‘s social media pages has lead to in being featured on an American talk show.

In the video Mackenzie Gill, a kindergarten teach at Ecole St. John Paul II School is featured guessing each of her 19 kindergarten students by name by hearing their voices one at a time.

The video was featured on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on Tuesday incorporated into the opening monologue after producers of the show contacted the school board for permission.

Prior to airing on the talk show the 90-second video already had 81 million views worldwide.

Miss Gill said she was amazed when the video started to go viral.

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“It was simply a sweet moment between students and I that caught the attention of millions,” Gill said.

“Then, I got an email from a producer at Jimmy Kimmel Live! and that really blew me away! This experience has been nothing short of amazing,” she added.

“I am humbled that people are responding so positively to a snapshot of a moment in our classroom.”

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READ: Kindergarten teach from Ecole St. John Paul II is Medicine Hat Catholic Board of Education nominee for Edwin Parr Award

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Principal at Ecole St. John Paul II School Robert Dumanowksi said it a reminder of great work that happens in their classrooms everyday.

“We celebrate not just the power of a viral video, but the heart and dedication of incredible educators like Miss Gill who inspire, nurture, and create moments that truly matter,” Dumanowski said.

“The kindness and joy of our kindergarten teacher shares with her students has sparked a ripple effect, reminding us all of the extraordinary impact of everyday moments.”

The director of communications for the school board Derrian Hallas is happy with the uptake from the video posted in late January.

“I was thrilled when Miss Gill agreed to jump on this trend! We recorded it in one take, posted it the next day and it absolutely blew up,” Hallas said.

“People could see how genuine she is and how much her students adore her.”