Science teacher wins prestigious award

Posted 5/19/22

Highland High School is proud to announce that Science teacher Christopher Sgro has been named the recipient of a 2022 Excellence in High School Chemistry Teaching Award presented by the Mid-Hudson …

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Science teacher wins prestigious award

Posted

Highland High School is proud to announce that Science teacher Christopher Sgro has been named the recipient of a 2022 Excellence in High School Chemistry Teaching Award presented by the Mid-Hudson Section of the American Chemical Society (ACS).

The purpose of this annual award is to encourage and reward career excellence in chemistry teaching and to promote the field of chemistry. Eligible nominees must be actively engaged in teaching high school chemistry in one of the following New York State counties: Dutchess, Orange, Putnam, Sullivan, or Ulster.

Sgro has been working at HHS since 2008, teaching various levels of chemistry classes including Advanced Placement and College Chemistry. He also serves as an adjunct instructor at SUNY New Paltz, and is working toward earning a PhD in Curriculum and Instruction, with an emphasis in Science Education, through the University at Albany.

During his tenure at HHS, Sgro has served as an advisor to several clubs, including Mock Trial, Science Olympiad, and Quiz Bowl. As a lead advisor to the Senior Class, his efforts to coordinate all facets of the out-of-state senior trip and his willingness to provide logistical support for the annual June commencement ceremony have been invaluable. 

HHS Principal William Zimmer, who nominated Sgro for the award, noted that one of the educator’s many unique and exceptional gifts is his creativity. “He can make all levels of chemistry interesting, understandable, and relatable to his students,” said Zimmer, adding that it can be challenging to find educators with Sgro’s level of talent, ambition, and drive.

“Chris is a remarkable professional who works tirelessly to make Highland High School’s Science Department a model of excellence,” Zimmer said.

Sgro was presented with his award during the Mid-Hudson ACS’s Undergraduate Research Symposium, which was held at Mount Saint Mary College in Newburgh on April 29.