A 16-year-old girl from The Farnley Academy in Leeds has praised her teacher for being her "rock" in an emotional tribute just days after he passed away in a tragic accident.
Lewis Howlett, 25, drowned in the River Aire in Kirkstall on Saturday, May 30, after going swimming with friends.
Following the news of his death, the school's principal - Chris Stokes - labelled Lewis as "a rising star".
And now one of Lewis' pupils has now opened up about how "amazing" his support was when she was suffering from crippling anxiety last year.
Olivia Metcalf, from Wortley, said: "He was a really big part of my life.
"In Year 10, I suffered badly with anxiety. I nearly took my own life - but Mr Howlett was my rock. He made me feel so comfortable and I could tell him anything.
"He would just sit with me and listen to me until I calmed down.
"There are certain things that kids can't tell their parents, but I could just talk to him about everything so freely.
"He transformed how I felt when I was at my lowest."
Not only did Lewis play a huge part in helping Olivia through a tricky time in her young life, but he exuded positivity through his unwaveringly friendly attitude.
"Every day, he walked through the school with a massive smile and said hello to everyone," said Olivia.
"When people were messing around, he had this way of getting them to calm down and focus. He was amazing."
His passion for teaching spread beyond standard routine of lessons and Lewis inspired pupils to join the BEAM ambassadors club, an LGBT+ support group, while making his English Literature lessons exciting and different.
"I'm targeted to get a Level 8 in English Literature now and that's all down to him," said Olivia.
"I used to not be as interested in it, but we read The Art of Being Normal in class and that inspired me.
"Mr Howlett even gave me his book so I could finish reading it at home. I am going to buy my own copy now to remember him."
Another of Lewis' students has also praised him for his ability to engage pupils who have been disinterested in school for years.
Lewis was Ben Caan's English Literature teacher and his form tutor.
"I wasn't interested in school at all," said Ben, 16.
"I never took school seriously really and I used to really hate English, but Mr Howlett was always there for me.
"He was always positive and never looked at the negatives in anyone. I don’t know anyone who didn't like him.
"He actually made me love English in the end. I am where I am now because of Mr Howlett.
"The last time I properly saw him he explained to me that no matter how much I didn't want to work, I should do it for my own good. I wish I had listened to him more."
