High school’s chemical research program wins award

The California School Boards Assn. recognized Laguna Beach High with a Golden Bell Award for the school’s Advanced Chemical Research program taught by chemistry instructor Steve Sogo.

Sogo leads a full-year class in which seniors pursue original research projects in teams.

Through in-depth review and a site visit, the association affirmed the program is data-driven, innovative, sustainable, supported by the Laguna Beach Unified School District, and has made a positive difference in students’ lives, according to a news release.

TheCSBA Golden Bell Awards, in its 36th year, promotes excellence in education and school board governance by recognizing outstanding programs and governance practices of school boards in school districts and county offices of education throughout California.

Eighteen students who have taken the course, which began in 2006, have written articles for peer-reviewed journals, while six alumni are pursuing doctorate degrees in chemistry, physics, biomedical engineering and environmental engineering.

The district and the nonprofit SchoolPower, which raises money for Laguna’s four public schools, have donated to the program.

“ACR is great training for future scientists,” Sogo said in the release. “In ACR, students learn how to be real-world problem-solvers, not just good test takers.”

Sogo and Laguna Beach High Principal Chris Herzfeld will receive the award at a luncheon Dec. 5 in San Diego.