Excellence in education deserves to be celebrated—and we couldn’t be prouder to share that Dr. Araci, the Chemistry Subject Expert Teacher at Fremont Independent Upper School, has been recognized by the American Chemical Society with the 2025 Regional Award for Excellence in High School Teaching in the Western Region.

Dr. Araci received this prestigious honor at the ACS Western Regional Meeting Awards Ceremony in San Jose in October, standing out among exceptional educators across a 15-section region spanning California, Arizona, Hawaii, and Nevada.

“We are incredibly proud of Dr. Araci’s recognition,” said Ms. Abodouma, Head of School. “This award is so well-deserved. Dr. Araci elevates the learning experience on our campus every single day, inspiring our students to see chemistry not just as a subject to study, but an exciting exploration and another lens through which they can understand and transform the world around them.”

The Excellence in High School Teaching Award celebrates educators who demonstrate exceptional quality of instruction, inspire and challenge students, and contribute to the broader chemistry education community. Dr. Araci embodies these qualities in remarkable ways.

In her Honors Chemistry, AP Chemistry, and Drug Discovery and Development Capstone courses, Dr. Araci creates a transformative college-level learning environment where students evolve into independent thinkers and researchers. Through hands-on laboratory work and collaborative discussions, she empowers students to seek answers, ask deeper questions, and discover the joy of scientific inquiry.

Her impact extends far beyond the classroom. Dr. Araci leads workshops on academic integrity and classroom engagement and advises student-led initiatives and competitions, including the Chemistry Club, the You Be the Solution Challenge, the ACS Berkeley Chemistry Tournament, and the US National Chemistry Olympiads. She also created one of our school’s most beloved traditions: the annual Honors Chemistry Debate held each Valentine’s Day. This unique event brings together students and the entire school community to explore thought-provoking questions like “What makes the world go around: Money or Love?”

“It was wonderful to be recognized, and I am honored to be awarded by ACS,” Dr. Araci shared after the ceremony, where she connected with educators, college professors, and industry professionals from across the Western United States—relationships that promise to open new doors for collaboration and opportunity for our students.

This recognition is a testament to Dr. Araci’s unwavering dedication to making chemistry engaging, accessible, and transformative. She doesn’t just teach chemistry; she ignites curiosity, builds confidence, and shapes the next generation of scientists and critical thinkers.

Congratulations, Dr. Araci. This honor reflects what we’ve known all along—you’re making an extraordinary difference.

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