Teacher Appreciation Week is a special time dedicated to honoring and recognizing the tireless efforts of educators who shape the minds of students every day. This week-long celebration is observed annually during the first full week of May and serves as an opportunity to show gratitude to the teachers who have made a positive impact on our lives. 

Today I would like to shine light on one of the most beloved P.O.D/ Econ teachers here on campus, Mr. Delgado. Mr. Delgado is one of those teachers who leaves an undeniable mark on his students. He is the type of person who could make you laugh one moment and then leave you deep in thought the next. For me, Mr. Delgado is more than just a teacher; he is a mentor, a role model, and a friend.

Mr. Delgado has a different teaching style than most teachers on campus here. He has a magnetic personality, a contagious smile, and a sense of humor that lights up every room. 

One of the things I love most about Mr. Delgado is his ability to connect with his students. He makes an effort to get to know each and every one of us, and he always has a way of making us feel like we belong. Whether it is cracking a joke, sharing a personal story, or simply asking how our day is going, Mr. Delgado makes us feel seen and heard.

It isn’t just his personality that makes Mr. Delgado stand out. He is an incredible teacher as well. He has a passion for economics and P.O.D, and he brings it to life in his classroom. He uses creative props, music, and even videos from “Shark Tank” to help us understand the significance of economics.

One of my favorite memories with Mr. Delgado happened during the end of the first semester when he rewarded us for making it through the last first semester as seniors. He put all of us into a raffle to win one of his most favorite things . . .  “Scrub Daddies.”  Scrub Daddies are a big part of Delgado and his classroom experience. He has a whole collection of them showcased in the front of his class from the Scrub Mommys to the holiday special editions ones. I think our class pretty much became as obsessed with them as he is.  

But it isn’t just the fun and games that makes Mr. Delgado special. He also knows when to be serious and how to challenge us. He pushes us to think critically and never settle for mediocrity. He has high expectations for his students, and he believes in us even when we don’t believe in ourselves. He is always willing to go the extra mile to help us succeed, whether it’s doing extra credit crossword puzzles, or relating to us to better understand the lecture. 

Looking back on my time with Mr. Delgado, I realize how lucky I am to have had him as a teacher. He is more than just someone who taught me economics and P.O.D; he taught me about life. He taught me about the importance of hard work, determination, and resilience. He taught me to never give up on my dreams and to always push myself for greatness.

As I prepare to graduate from high school, I know that I will never forget Mr. Delgado. He was more than just a teacher; he was a friend who helped change the course of my life. He inspires me to be a better person, and he showed me what it means to truly care for others. I will always be grateful for the impact he has had on my life, and I know that I will carry his lessons with me wherever I go.

So, here’s to you, Mr. Delgado. Thank you for being an incredible teacher, a wonderful mentor, and a true friend. You have touched the lives of so many students, and your legacy will live on for years to come.”Delgado for Mayor!!”