Page 198 - PINE CREST 2000

S p o t l i g T i t o n

M jr. Pblm aflcio

V — u . v _ l

cvr Mr. Palmaccio is one of the most

intelligent men that I have ever met, as
well as one of the most interesting
characters. If I were a great author of
fiction, I would have written a book
containing a Palmaccio years ago. I
would then have been shocked to find
my character teaching and working in
the administrative processes at Pine
Crest School.
With a slight resemblance to
Kramer from the show “Seinfeld,” Mr.
Palmaccio (affectionately referred to by
a variety of nicknames, varying from

Mr. P. to Master P. to Senor Guapo- the last was my own invention, which I’m rather proud of) is an imposing
figure even in appearance. Not a tall or broad man, Mr. P. still manages to invoke respect, even without a
grand stature. This genius of a man comes complete with curly black hair, reading glasses which he wears on
occasion, a style that brings up memories of the seventies yet shows his pride in his profession and maturity,
and a smile that can suddenly beam down upon you like the sun coming out over a stormy day on the ocean.
As I grew up at Pine Crest I had heard much about this man from many sources. My seventh and
eighth grade teacher of Algebra I and II praised him daily, applauding his brilliance in mind and deed. When I
became his student, my fears and expectations were at high levels, and my intimidation was only natural. This
class that I had only dreamed about before became a pinnacle of each day’s events.
Mr. Palmaccio has a way of spreading a good mood and a love for his work, from the way he calls rain
“liquid sunshine” to his dry puns. He uses silly phrases and gestures to bring the subject to life, we could
almost see the integrals and derivative signs floating in front of our eyes. My friends would tease me because I
wrote down “Mr. P-isms.” Sayings that he uttered became quotes given colorful attention in my notebook.
His stories added an interesting edge to the education, and his eccentrically appealing personality added vivac­
ity to the environment. It was easy to see his love for math and even for us, his measly pupils, in every ani­
mate move he made.
I have always had a sense of awe, admiration, and fear for math. An answer is either right or wrong,
and there are only certain ways of seeing it and arriving at conclusions. I am more of an English class person,
and adore the freedom that words provide. Mr. Palmaccio’s class did not cure me of my fear, but it did pro­
vide me with a new view on math. Our class became a thing to look forward to. The same classmates that
looked so strange on the first day were the same as those with whom I now laughed and struggled over the
Calculus. The same classroom that had looked so intimidating on the first day became a room I now recall
with many fond memories. Most importantly, the same teacher I was taught to revere above all else, yet was
always terrified to meet, became an inspiration and a daily reminder that there are still teachers who work for
love of what they do, and are thus able to spread this love to their students. I doubt if one teacher has ever
taught me so much, not only about his designated subject, but also about the way I want to live my life.

—Monica lachan