Phillips Exeter Academy senior Sameer S. Panesar of North Hampton, N.H., successfully nominated his former Caribou Middle School history teacher, Ralph Fantasia, for the Academy’s 2012-13 Honoring Earlier Educators Program. The event recognizes teachers who have made a significant difference in the life of an Exonian.
For Panesar, a former resident of Caribou, Fantasia was the most enthusiastic and personable teacher in school.
“I didn’t only think of him as my teacher. We discussed shows, movies and music that we both enjoyed. We shared news articles and issues with each other, too,” Panesar said.
In the classroom Panesar saw Fantasia’s enthusiasm for teaching history come alive.
“Mr. Fantasia brought in personal artifacts from periods in history to make what we were reading more than just words on a page,” Panesar said.
Panesar also remembers Fantasia’s sense of humor.
“He was able to transform our readings and worksheets into analogies and stories that the class not only understood, but enjoyed. He went out of his way to make the subject enjoyable.
Panesar finished eighth grade with history as his favorite subject.
“Due to Mr. Fantasia’s teaching, I was inspired to do my own research outside of class and develop a greater knowledge about the subject. What I remember most about having him in my life was the feeling of certainty and comfort that came with interacting with him,” Panesar said. “He taught me what real learning was all about, why I should care about history and exposed me to the idea of going beyond the confines of the classroom to learn more about the subjects I liked. I credit him with my desire to learn and discover the subject of history as well as teaching me how interesting and intellectually stimulating studying history can be.”
Fantasia also learned from Panesar.
“He was my most memorable student in my teaching career. I have had many great students, but there were things about Sameer that always stood out. Because of his love and passion for an area of study that was always my passion, I saw not only a student in Sameer, but someone who oftentimes resembled a peer. His knowledge of American history placed him far above his classmates, and some questions he would ask often challenged me to learn more,” Fantasia said.
Teachers receiving the earlier educators honor were introduced during a morning assembly at Phillips Exeter Academy and were recognized at an evening dinner.
