The Highland Central School District is proud to announce that Highland High School (HHS) Science teacher Christopher Sgro has been named the recipient of the 2022 Northeast Region Award for Excellence in High School Teaching presented by the American Chemical Society (ACS) Division of Chemical Education.
The purpose of this annual award is to recognize, encourage, and stimulate outstanding teachers of high school chemistry in the ACS regions. Eligible nominees must be actively engaged in the teaching of chemistry or a chemical science in a high school (Grades 9-12), and clearly demonstrate a set list of attributes.
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 Ph.D. in Curriculum and Instruction, with an emphasis in Science Education, through the University at Albany. As part of his studies, he has become a published author in the STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) education field. He is currently writing his dissertation, which investigates how students use chemistry in STEM lessons.
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 Kevin Murphy said he is extremely proud of Sgro for receiving such a prestigious award.
“I consider myself very fortunate to be able to work with such a talented, experienced, and knowledgeable professional who is so deserving of this recognition,” he said. “Highland High School is lucky to have such dedicated teachers, like Mr. Sgro, who go above and beyond for their students.”
Last year, Sgro was the recipient of an Excellence in High School Chemistry Teaching Award from the Mid-Hudson Section of the ACS. He was presented with his latest honor during the ACS’s Northeast Regional Meeting, which was held in Rochester, New York, in October.