Students, schools recognized during annual State of Education address in Victorville

Rene Ray De La Cruz, Victorville Daily Press
·2 min read

Local students were awarded scholarships and county schools were recognized for various achievements during the annual San Bernardino County State of Education address.

During the April 3 presentation at the Hilton Garden Inn in Victorville, approximately $12,500 in scholarships were awarded to 25 students.

Director Kimberly Mesen, with Supervisor Paul Cook’s office, presented $500 scholarships to the following students:

  • Anahi Duran of Academy of Academic Excellence in Apple Valley

  • Jasmine Martinez of Sultana High School in Hesperia

  • Mia Ramirez of Oak Hills High School

San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools' Ted Alejandre presented students with scholarships and recognized schools for their various achievements during the annual “State of Education” address. Pictured are Apple Valley Unified High School seniors who received scholarships and school district officials.
San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools' Ted Alejandre presented students with scholarships and recognized schools for their various achievements during the annual “State of Education” address. Pictured are Apple Valley Unified High School seniors who received scholarships and school district officials.

Distinguished High Desert Schools

San Bernardino County Superintendent of Schools' Ted Alejandre highlighted several notable achievements from the region during his presentation, noting that four High Desert schools were named California Distinguished Schools last year:

  • Melva Davis Academy of Excellence, Adelanto Elementary School District

  • Hesperia High School, Hesperia Unified School District

  • Oak Hills High School, Hesperia Unified School District

  • University Preparatory, Victor Valley Union High School District

Victor Elementary School District also received a Golden Bell Award for its Child Welfare & Attendance Liaison program.

Alejandre emphasized the importance of schools preparing students for the future – emotionally, socially, and professionally. He also noted the unique industries in the High Desert, such as mining, and highlighted programs — such as Mountain Desert Career Pathways — being developed to meet the needs of local employers.

Victor Valley College

It was announced that Victor Valley College is now offering a 4-year degree in respiratory therapy, with even more programs in the works, including court reporting, pharmacy technology, and a Spanish-taught medical assistant degree.

In educational technology, a 100 gigabyte Internet expansion is planned in partnership with Victor Valley College.

"This will bring carrier-level connectivity to rural and underserved areas, including our significantly underserved tribal and remote desert communities," Alejandre said.

The full build-out is expected over the next five to seven years.

Grants awarded

Seven High Desert districts and three charter schools received grants to transform schools into resource hubs for families and communities. All High Desert districts received $100,000 literacy grants this year to focus on strategies to improve literacy.

Additionally, a $1 million grant will provide teachers with the opportunity to learn the latest computer science skills, including how to safely use Artificial Intelligence

Daily Press reporter Rene Ray De La Cruz may be reached at RDeLaCruz@VVDailyPress.com. Follow him on Twitter @DP_ReneDeLaCruz

This article originally appeared on Victorville Daily Press: Students, schools recognized during State of Education address