Thank You, Mr. G.!

Yesterday, I had the chance to visit with Mr. Galante, who taught me and Eric for several years in high school. He invited us over to his house to look through thirty-five years of lesson plans and projects.

The boxes were evidence of a career of excellence in teaching and a deep passion for democracy. I found projects on Marbury v. Madison and the establishment of judicial review. There were the mock elections of 1800 and 1912, both assignments I remember to this day.

I found folders with debates on imperialism during the Spanish-American War and a “roundtable” with the leaders of the transcendental movement and the Great Awakening.

The historian in me was thrilled to inherit such an incredible collection!

I remember working on these projects like it was yesterday. Mr. Galante invited me, Eric, and my classmates into encounters with history that allowed us to imagine ourselves as the change makers.

I can confidently say that I would not be in the position I am in today if it weren’t for Mr. G. He instilled in me a passion for democracy and an appreciation of the central role we all play in shaping it.

Thank you, Mr. Galante. I hope I’ve made you proud in this campaign. Your support means the world to me and my family. Eric, if you are reading this email and remembering a teacher who made this kind of impression on you. I hope you’ll let them know.