Laguna Beach USD Names 2018-19 Employees Of The Year

LAGUNA BEACH, CA —What does it take to become an employee of the year at Laguna Beach Unified School District? Dedication, demonstrating outstanding student and family support, and that unique, intangible quality that draws recognition of other school employees who nominated and voted for each candidate.

For 2018-19, Steve Sogo, a high school science teacher, won the Teacher of the Year award for the Laguna Beach Unified School District. Joining him is Nikki Romano, library media specialist at Top of the World Elementary School, who was named Classified Employee of the Year for 2018-19.
Other winners include Linda Butler-Stoll, child nutrition; Kelli Merda, office, and technical support; and Heidi Winegard, support services and security.

When asked about Steve Sogo winning Laguna Beach Teacher of the Year, principal Dr. Jason Allemann had this to say:

“Steve has led the Science department for a number of years and is amazingly knowledgeable in the content area. Steve creates an environment where students are able to apply sound lab practices to their learning experiences that deal with current and real-life issues and challenges.”

Principal Michael Conlon discussed Nikki Romano at Top of the World Elementary School, saying, "Nikki is a ray of light on TOW's campus. She has built such warm working relationships with staff, parents, and students. Nikki goes above and beyond to help out around campus and I am so thankful to have her as part of the TOW family."

Both will be recognized at the Laguna Beach Unified School District board meeting on May 28 at 6 p.m.