All photographs and videos submitted by Hamilton alumni. Cover image: Mr. Weiss and his 2026 Physics C class.

Aanya Ranasaria & Patrick Wang

Few teachers leave such a strong impression on their students that, even years after graduation, many will still remember them. Fewer still are able to do so through the sheer uniqueness of their character and the style of their instruction.

But ask any Hamilton graduate if water is wet, why they start laughing every time they see socks in sandals, even why they pronounce GIF the way they do, and they will all tell you the stories of the same teacher: a teacher who has impacted and inspired us all through his quirks and jokes and (sometimes brutal) sincerity. A teacher who we will never forget, no matter how far we go in life.

This year marks Mr. Weiss’ 12th at Hamilton—which means he’s leaving the district alongside the seniors who were starting kindergarten the same year he first walked through these doors. Hamilton was his first full-time teaching position after graduating from Ripon College, which he fondly refers to as the “Harvard of the Midwest.” In his time here, he has taught AP Physics 1, AP Physics 2, AP Physics C (Mechanics and E&M), and regular Physics. In fact, AP Physics C largely runs because students who took AP Physics 1 with him wanted more and petitioned for it.

While Hamilton will be extremely sad to see him go, Mr. Weiss is heading to Mayville High School, where he grew up and where his daughters will one day attend. He’ll be teaching both math and science there as well as coaching football.

The Weiss Experience

If you’ve never had Mr. Weiss as a teacher, there’s still a decent chance you’ve encountered him. If you’ve walked past his classroom in socks and sandals, you know exactly what we mean. His position on the matter is this: Sneakers go with socks, and sandals go without. If he sees you in socks and sandals, he will make sure you know it. The policy extends to students, colleagues, and anyone else within earshot.

Once you are in his classroom, it’s not just the socks and sandals. There are also the physics t-shirts, an endless supply of them really, and the memes embedded throughout homework packets and slideshows. And then there are the experiments.

Students who have taken Mr. Weiss’ class talk about the experiments for years afterward. Filming your classmates while they run back and forth. Spinning like a ballerina on a wheel to demonstrate angular momentum. Holding hands with the entire class just to be jarringly shocked. And of course, the bowling ball pendulum, or more specifically, the day the rope snapped. Tyler Canham (Class of 2024) still grieves that he was the only person in his class who wasn't in the room when the pendulum rope broke. "He never failed to keep our class amused," Canham wrote. "But aside from the wacky charades, he provided a classroom that encouraged academic pursuit."

The balance of chaos and academic substance is what sets his classes apart. Between all the jokes and sarcasm, Mr. Weiss ensures each of his students has a deep understanding of the content taught.

"There are teachers that teach for students to get a good score," wrote Aayush Iyengar (Class of 2022), "and there are teachers that teach for students to understand and develop a passion in the concepts they are studying. I can confidently say the upbeat, friendly environment he created fit the latter."

Beyond Room S-8

Outside of the classroom, Mr. Weiss co-founded Science NHS, advised Rocketry Club, and has been a consistent supporter of Charger Press, including our #SockOutSuicide initiative. He also spent over three years as science department head supporting his fellow science teachers. Science teacher Toni Lynn Wainio notes how “When he started here at Hamilton, we barely had a Physics class. Now we have four levels and they are bursting at the seams. I do not know if any one person can fill his role.”

Monika Trafficante, whose room neighbors Mr. Weiss’, reflects on one of her favorite bits for students. Mr. Weiss asks his students what a joule per second is. They say "watts." He yells louder."WHAT IS JOULES PER SECOND?????" She says she will miss him and his jokes dearly.

On a personal note, Mr. Weiss is one of the most impactful teachers we have ever had. He cares deeply about each of his students and is always willing to go the extra mile to help them succeed. His passion for physics is contagious, and he genuinely wants every student to leave Hamilton having not only as a better physics student, but as a better person.

In Their Own Words

Former students and colleagues shared their memories of Mr. Weiss. Here's what they had to say:

Hannah Pfersh, Class of 2020: "Mr. Weiss let us use markers to draw all over the desks — I remember really enjoying this from our class even years after high school."

Arushi Ranasaria, Class of 2021: “Teachers like Mr. Weiss are hard to come by. Even though physics wasn’t my favorite subject, Mr. Weiss always found ways to make it interesting and interactive. I had him for Honors Physics, and my friends and I would often spend lunch in his room just hanging out with him. He was incredibly patient and cares deeply about his students.”

Jonathan Wang, Class of 2022: "Weiss is the best physics teacher. He made physics fun enough that we weren't scared away from engineering, but not so fun that we switched into physics. I still remember how to do free body diagrams even though I'm in fake engineering (computer engineering). 10/10 would recommend."

Kate Powell, Class of 2022: "My favorite memories of Mr. Weiss are the cool demos he would do for each concept we learned. They always helped me understand the physics, and he made them funny and engaging."

Josh Beverung, Class of 2022: "I fondly remember his teaching style and lab demos as both informative and funny. They reinforced my interest in the subject and that I made the correct choice pursuing engineering as a career."

Srikar Kalapala, Class of 2023: "Mr. Weiss was one of my favorite teachers during my time at Hamilton. His goofy personality helped ourAP physics class stay light-hearted. I remember when he used to swing on the bowling ball, trying not to fall... Thanks for everything you did for Hamilton, Mr. Weiss, you will be missed. PS: It's definitely GIF and not JIF."

Caelin Ungerer, Class of 2023: "One time, Mr. Weiss let us stay after class while in the Eras Tour ticket line queue. He definitely laughed at us but was very supportive."

Tyler Canham, Class of 2024: “After taking AP Physics 1 with Mr. Weiss, enough of us signed up to make AP Physics C a reality, which is something that rarely happens for such a challenging course. More than anything, that speaks to the impact he had on students. He built a community where people stayed after school to study, discuss physics, and actually enjoy learning. Even students who never would have considered taking physics signed up because they had heard about Weiss. Personally, he never brushed off my questions, no matter how ridiculous they seemed, and always made an effort to help. While his time at Hamilton is ending, the students he inspired will carry his influence, and his signature snarkiness, into whatever comes next.”

Carly Ungerer, Class of 2024: "He brought humor and a genuine passion into every class in a way that made everything more engaging. But even more important, you could tell that Weiss cared. I still remember him talking to my class at the start of senior year about college applications, reminding us that no matter what happened, life would work out."

Maggie Watson, Class of 2024: "He didn't shy away from having a personality, and he truly connected with students during his time here. I learned so much more than just physics in his class."

Owen Peterson, Class of 2024: “Mr. Weiss is unapologetic about being himself and that effect rubs off on students. I made some of my best friends in his classroom and he made it easy to want to do hard things. He’s everything a teacher should be!”

Vahe Ohihoin, Class of 2024: "His care for his students and his dedication always shine through. All the best, Mr. Weiss — and the next time I see you, I still have a bank of questions I want to ask."

Derek Zhang, Class of 2025: "He had a way of making everything interesting with the dramatic way he taught, and he is one of the reasons I want to take more physics classes in college. I remember the fun disagree— discussions with him about different physics scenarios."

Gabby Weisgerber, Class of 2025: "Mr. Weiss is one of the funniest teachers at Hamilton! I always knew I would laugh when interacting with him, whether it was in class or at meetings for SNHS. He will be deeply missed at Hamilton by both students and other teachers!" *Editor’s note: Weisgerber adamantly argued during high school that it is likely she and Weiss are related because “our last names match” and “he looks like my dad.”

Aadhi Balaji, Class of 2025: "Mr. Weiss's class was some of the most fun I've had in an academic setting. He made learning physics engaging and I got some of my best friends out of his labs. Even beyond physics, he is one of the most supportive teachers I've ever met."

Lisa Rezash (Science NHS co-advisor): "Mr. Weiss is one of the most genuine, most caring teachers here at HHS. Don't be scared away by his yelling or heckling — especially if you wear socks and sandals. Mayville is lucky to have Mr. Weiss joining their team."

Monika Trafficante: “Mr. Weiss is a true friend that always checks in to see how things are going and sincerely cares about what is happening in the lives of his colleagues. I'm very excited for him to be able to spend more time with his family, but Hamilton is losing an outstanding teacher who cares deeply about his students and passing on his love and knowledge of physics.”

Toni Lynn Wainio: “[Mr. Weiss] is the loudest, nicest, and funniest dork we know. He has made our department the success that we are. He has led us as department head for over three years and constantly pushes us forward and to strive to be the best. He is wicked smart and humble about it. I ask so many questions of him, from Instagram science and actual science content, to curriculum and rubric concerns, and he never seems bothered or annoyed! He goes above and beyond for all of his classes, students, and peers. Mr. Weiss even has been a major contributor to Science Club by leading many presentations over the years, and then helping to start and lead Science NHS. I do not know if any one person can fill his role, but I do know Mayville is damn lucky to have him!”

It takes a lot to impact so many students in such a deep and lasting way. Thank you, Mr. Weiss, for everything you do. Hamilton was lucky to have you, and each and every person who knows you will miss you. May your sandals be forever sockless, and every GIF pronounced like the peanut butter brand.