Bio
In Tom Sangiorgi’s chemistry class at Townsend Harris High School, it’s not uncommon to find him shooting balled up socks over the heads of astonished students. Propelled by a makeshift cannon, the flying socks are but one of the imaginative demonstrations that have made Mr. Sangiorgi a legend in his 18 years teaching at Townsend. His demonstrations lead to in-depth lessons that connect chemistry with the everyday, exploring why bananas turn brown or why partially hydrogenated oils are used in candy bars. Outside the classroom, he coaches Townsend’s Science Olympiad, which has grown to include a tenth of the student body—the largest organization in the school. Says a colleague, “Tom is a teacher who puts his heart into everything he does.”
