IONIA, Mich. (WOOD) — A Spanish teacher at Ionia Middle School is using social media in a way that's changing his students' lives.

Craig Gurnee, better known to his students as Señor Gurnee, has raised enough money to help 16 students travel abroad, demonstrating the power of culture and community.

In his classroom, culture surrounds you. Flags of every Spanish-speaking country hang in the hallway and maps and posters cover the walls of Room 102. Gurnee's passion for teaching Spanish started years ago when his high school teacher helped raise funds for a trip to study abroad in Mexico.

“It was extremely life-changing to be immersed in the culture," Gurnee said. “You can read it in a textbook and you will learn it… But when you’re put in the culture and actually have to use what you’re l

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