Since Arnold O. Beckman High School first opened on August 30, 2004, it has possessed a sturdy backbone of willpower. From the beginning, the school set itself in completing one overarching goal: “to produce students who are prepared to enter and succeed in post secondary education by pursuing the most rigorous course of study resulting in achievement inside and outside the classroom.” 

    With an ambitious task ahead of them, the Beckman staff found themselves driven to work even harder. Soon enough, Beckman proved itself to not only hold a new campus, but a new, more innovative form of thinking as well. The freshness of the school allowed them to combine excellent ideas in order to produce a school that would eventually impress all. Without a doubt this was achieved. Since then, seven years was all it took for Beckman to secure the rank of eighth best high school in Orange County. Advanced Placement US history teacher Stephen McGill explained the news as, “a great public acknowledgement of what has been going on here at Beckman.” He went on to clarify himself, “Despite the surge in the ranking, I see this as an opportunity to continue to improve and deliver the best possible program for our school.” This seems to be the common sentiment among the modest and hardworking Beckman teachers and faculty.

    The Beckman staff’s unflagging determination has produced a school that immediately awes all. When visitors first come to Beckman, the first thing they notice is not the prominent clock tower or the beautiful campus, but the ability to foster such a great diversity of students who excel in so many different areas. Assistant Principal Sean Diaz stated, “Beckman is truly a melting pot.”  However, in spite of being a “melting pot,” what’s even more remarkable is Beckman’s ability to exhibit teamwork. Diaz placed the reasoning behind the success of Beckman simply as a result of “the commitment to collaboration.” 

    This great “commitment” has allowed Beckman to cultivate some of the most outstanding programs high schools can offer. Programs such as Early College, which allows students to be taught by college professors on the school campus, provide students with the opportunity to receive college credit for classes. Thus, students have the opportunity to shorten the amount of time spent in college by up to two years! Furthermore, Naviance is a program that Counselor Barbara Schultz regards highly of. A program not offered by many schools, Naviance serves as a research and planning tool for students, parents, and school counselors. The website manages individual students through the entire college planning, application, and decision process. Students can search for scholarships, explore careers, take interest inventories, and investigate their individual learning style.

    From the opening of Beckman, Counselor Harvey Guzik can say without a doubt that Beckman’s success owes itself not only through excellence in academics, but a variety of components. Beckman stresses the philosophy of the four A’s − academics, athletics, arts, and activities.” For instance, Beckman sports is constantly improving; the football team played in the CIF Southern Division championships last season. Furthermore, courses such as media arts, graphics, and website development are now being offered. Beckman’s success at encouraging students to become well-rounded is backed by the increase in the amount of college acceptance rates at Beckman. Guzik proudly stated, “This last year we put more students in college than Foothill and Tustin combined.”

    With the commendable progress of Beckman, it is evident that this sudden jump in rank was rightful, as Beckman is one of the most diverse and well-rounded high schools in Orange County. Diaz reacted positively upon hearing of the ranking, “I felt a great sense of pride. We’ve worked hard to make Beckman a recognized school.” Upon hearing of the news, counselor Schultz, who has been here since Beckman opened, exclaimed, “I thought it was well-deserved.” She divulged, “Looking at how when I first came here Beckman only had two Advanded Placement courses, the increase in the amount of AP’s offered is outstanding.” Diaz firmly stated, “We need to continue to refine and work on our craft, to continue to make Beckman better. When that is the primary purpose, everything else falls into place.” Beckman has without a doubt laid a sturdy ground of framework that it can only build on and construct an even greater legacy in the future.