South Junior High School in Anaheim has received the 2026 Civic Learning Award of Excellence, the state’s highest honor for civic education. The campus is one of three schools statewide recognized at the top level.
Six Orange County educators were surprised on campuses across the county after being selected through a competitive review process, with K-12 honorees eligible for the state program and all to be recognized Nov. 13 at the Disneyland Hotel.
School Attendance Review Boards — or SARBs — bring together educators, families and community partners to address the root causes of chronic absenteeism. Two local districts were recently recognized by the state, highlighting a broader shift toward early support and student-centered solutions.
Sunburst Youth Academy paraeducator Raelene Velasquez has been named a 2026 California Classified School Employee of the Year and selected as the state’s sole nominee for the national RISE Award.
