More than 330 student-created artworks and film projects representing schools across Orange County will be featured in the 2026 Festival of Arts Junior Art Exhibit in Laguna Beach.
Bright colors, marine life and local history came together this spring as students from Warner Middle School and Westminster High School collaborated on a mural inspired by the ecosystems of the Bolsa Chica Wetlands.
Four teams representing Orange County schools earned top placements at the 2026 United States Academic Pentathlon National Finals in Nashville, Tennessee, including a national championship for McGarvin Intermediate School’s seventh-grade team.
Graduation season is underway across Orange County. The OCDE Newsroom has compiled a collection of commencement photos and social media posts from schools and districts throughout the county.
Sixty-eight AVID 8th Grade Standouts representing schools across 15 Orange County districts were recognized May 13 at Angel Stadium. Eight students were also named 2026 Angels Scholars, earning $10,000 college scholarships through the Angels Baseball Foundation.
Sunburst Youth Academy paraeducator Raelene Velasquez was recognized in Sacramento on May 20 as one of California’s 2026 Classified School Employees of the Year and as the state’s nominee for the national RISE Award.
Six school-based Peer Assistance Leadership programs and three advisors were recognized by the Orange County Department of Education for promoting school environments that are safe, inclusive and supportive for students.
Nine outstanding classified school employees from across Orange County are being recognized during Classified School Employee Week for their dedication to students, schools and communities.
Four middle school teams from Orange County will compete in the United States Academic Pentathlon National Finals in Nashville, Tennessee. This year’s competition theme, “The Roaring Twenties,” challenges students in grades six through eight across five academic subjects.
