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Congratulations to
Life-Changing Teaching Award Nominee
PHILLIP VACCARO
ROBERSON MIDDLE SCHOOL

STUDENT RECOGNITION STORY

Who is your favorite teacher? My favorite teacher is one that I’ve already known for 3 years, and truly became my favorite in 7th grade. Before my 7th grade year, I saw Mr. Vaccaro as just another regular teacher at school who would drone on about their subject, not making it very interesting to learn. But, I came to realize just how awesome he is, because he is caring, supportive, and logical. What really stands out to me about Mr. Vaccaro is that he is a psychic. He can tell how I feel just by looking at me. Every time I go to his classroom and I am in a bad mood, he always asks me what’s wrong and says that, “I get that look on my face like the world did something to me,” and honestly, it feels like that sometimes, but when I go to his class, it makes my entire day better, even though his class is the shortest period off the school day. Even though I have a hard time expressing my feelings to others, it's as if I can really be myself around Mr. Vaccaro, because it’s almost as if something about his intelligence about my mood just makes me pour my emotions out. I can tell him how I feel, and although it might be boring, he will give me logical and sophisticated responses about how I make myself feel and to find the good in days instead of making the entire day bad over one thing. It isn’t much, but does boost my mood, even if it's only by a small amount. And another reason for me to think he is a psychic is because sometimes he will just toss me a piece of candy or offer me small snacks without me having to ask, because he knows how much I like food. Mr. Vaccaro has helped me to become a better and more confident student by showing me the way throughout his class, helping me through questions I don’t quite understand. I get nervous asking others for help, but with Mr. Vaccaro, asking for help is a part of my nature. All I really have to do is go up to his desk with my computer or paper and ask him about the question I need help with or a question about one of the answers, and he just goes on and helps me out. I think that it’s very kind of him to do that, especially since some teachers will make you do things by yourself without any help and will only send you back to your seat. To close this out, I just want to give a big thank you to Mr. Vaccaro for being the best teacher I have ever experienced. You have guided me through tough times, and you are the best mentor yet. One of the main reasons I really like school this year is because I have you on my schedule, and coming to your class at the end of the day is like a breath of fresh air after a hard day with my other classes. I will always look forward to being taught by you. Some people won’t be able to say this about their teachers, but not me!
Shelby Hunter

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