Fountain Hills Middle School seventh grade social studies teacher Chris Peterson received the Excellence in Education award for April 2016 from 99.9 KEZ and Taylor Morrison, a house building company headquartered in Scottsdale.

Over the past year, the Excellence in Education program has honored a Valley teacher for their work in the classroom. Students and parents make nominations for a teacher they feel excels at their job and truly makes a difference in the lives of their students.

Peterson was nominated by one of his students, Alexander Niesz.

In his nomination letter, Niesz stated that Peterson is the best teacher he has ever had.

“Not only is he patient with us middle school monsters, but he is all-around an astounding teacher,” Niesz wrote.

“He’s caring and his kindness rubs off on everyone. Mr. Peterson brings out the best in his students, making sure that we don’t just become better students, but better citizens.”

Niesz also said that Peterson makes learning a hobby for himself and his classmates.

“I, along with other students, are able to wake up in the morning happier about going to school because we know we’ll be in the class with the greatest teacher of them all, Mr. Peterson.”

Peterson was recently recognized with his Excellence in Education honor in front of the class. He was told that 99.9 KEZ was on campus to do a story on Niesz and was surprised to find out that he was the one being recognized.

KEZ’s Marty Manning joined Peterson, his class and Principal Anita Gomez in congratulating the local teacher, presenting him with a check for $99 and a plaque commemorating the award. Peterson is now in the running for the Teacher of the Year award from the Excellence in Education program. The winner of that award will receive $999, among other prizes, and will be announced at a special event in May.

According to Peterson, he was humbled to join the Excellence in Education roster.

“It was an honor, I was really excited about it,” Peterson said.

“I like Alex’s initiative. He must have been raised real well to pass own his appreciation like that. It made me feel good but, really, I think the radio program could come back here and do something on just about every single teacher here.”

Peterson said that he feels the subject he teaches gives him a unique opportunity to connect with his students.

“Social studies cover so many bases,” he said.

“We literally blend together history with politics, music, the arts and even baseball. You can tell American history through all of those subjects and those topics really tend to resonate with kids, particularly Alex.”

With the 2015-16 school year wrapping up, Peterson said he wishes his students the best of luck on their next year of education.

“I want to say to my students that the teachers here always have their best interest at heart,” he added.

“We really enjoy what we do, we work in a really great community and we appreciate their kindness, attention and respect in the classroom. I wish them well in the future.”