Thread by @observingjapan

In the acknowledgements of THE ICONOCLAST, I made a point of thanking several high school teachers who made a deep impression upon me.

Today I learned that Chris Schwarz, the first name listed, passed away after a battle with cancer.

He was my AP European History teacher, but I first got to know him when he was my freshman baseball coach. I was the nerd who read on the bus to and from games; I think he felt protective of me. Over the next several years, we struck up a rapport.

By the time I was actually became his student as a senior, it was like we were old friends.

His enthusiasm for baseball was matched only by his passion for history -- not just as a teacher but also a student (see this article, for example: chicagomag.com/chicago-magazi…) -- and I am grateful that I had the opportunity to learn both from him.

In all my years of education, I don't think I ever had a teacher who worked as hard to meet each student where they were and communicate his love for the subject.

To my regret, we had fallen out of touch recently. I had wanted to send him a copy of my book so he could see the acknowledgements, but I'm not sure he ever did. But I certainly won't forget him, and I know most of his students feel the same.

cc: @NWSocStudies @nileswestnews

Here's a profile of him from five years ago. I think both my journalist and historian friends would find a lot to respect.

nileswestnews.org/42847/features…