Sixteen cadets from Sunburst Youth Academy recently got a surprise trip to the “Happiest Place on Earth,” but their visit to Disneyland was more than just a day of fun. It was an opportunity to see how science and creativity power the park’s most iconic attractions.
Sunburst Youth Academy, a partnership between the California National Guard and OCDE, celebrated its 35th graduating class on June 20, honoring 171 cadets — including 15 who earned high school diplomas.
Featuring more than 350 pieces by transitional kindergarten through 12th-grade students, the 2025 Junior Art Exhibit at the Festival of Arts of Laguna Beach opens July 2 in Partnership with OCDE and Arts Orange County. Selected from nearly 1,800 submissions, the display includes works by students with disabilities and 13 student-created films, showcasing creativity, inclusion and the importance of arts education.
Tesoro High School student Isaiah Medina and Laguna Beach High School student Lauren Norrix will represent Orange County at the National High School Musical Theatre Awards, the nation's top celebration of student talent in musical theater.
OCDE hosted its first State of the Student Forum on June 12 to review the latest data on student outcomes with educational and community partners. The report highlights key successes and areas for growth, with the goal of driving positive, data-informed change.
