Riverside County Honors 166 Top Graduates
- Top seniors from 86 Riverside County public high schools were honored at the 20th Annual Student Academic Awards. - A total of 166 students were recognized and 18 received $1,000 Exceptional Graduate scholarships for college plans. - The awards spotlight academic achievement across the county and aim to support postsecondary success (canyonlakeinsider.com).
Riverside County honored 166 seniors from 86 public high schools on April 21 at its 20th Annual Student Academic Awards in Riverside. (rcoe.us) The Riverside County Office of Education said the students were selected as the top seniors on their campuses after 13 years in the county’s public schools. More than 32,000 seniors are set to graduate across Riverside County in the class of 2026. (rcoe.us) Each high school was asked to name one to three honorees based on enrollment in grades 9 through 12. Districts set their own criteria, including grade-point averages, class rank, extracurricular activities, community service, and other factors. (rcoe.us) The event also singled out 18 students from 18 districts for Riverside County Exceptional Graduate Awards. Each of those students received a $1,000 scholarship that will be sent to the college or other postsecondary school they plan to attend. (rcoe.us) Riverside County Superintendent of Schools Edwin Gomez said more than 650 parents, principals, trustees, and superintendents attended the ceremony. The county office framed the awards as part of its push to prepare graduates for college, work, and civic life. (rcoe.us) The Student Academic Awards are one piece of the county office’s broader Excellence Recognition Programs, which also honor educators, schools, employees, and veterans. On its awards page, the county says the student program is meant to recognize academic achievement, leadership, service, and perseverance. (rcoe.us 1) (rcoe.us 2) The awards have become a yearly countywide ritual. Riverside County held the 2025 ceremony on April 17, and the county office scheduled the 2026 event for Tuesday, April 21, continuing an annual spring recognition for graduating seniors. (rcoe.us 1) (rcoe.us 2) Districts use the event to showcase students whose records go beyond grades alone. Corona-Norco Unified said its honorees included students who took Advanced Placement and dual-enrollment classes while also participating in athletics, activities, and community service. (cnusd.k12.ca.us) The county office closed this year’s ceremony by linking the awards to what comes next: college enrollment, career training, and public service after graduation. For the 166 seniors recognized this week, the county’s message was that their high school record now travels with them. (rcoe.us)
