Riverside County Student Academic Awards Recognition

The purpose of this award program and event is to celebrate students' dedication and perseverance in attaining academic achievement. Each High School selects one to three (based on school enrollment) 12^th grade students as honorees who will be invited to the event and receive an award on stage.

Honorees may apply for the Riverside County Exceptional Graduate Award which is given to honorees who have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement under extraordinary circumstances.

School Districts and charter schools may establish their own selection criteria as it is relevant to each site and/or program to determine which students are recognized as honorees.

California Distinguished Schools Program

This state program honors exemplary and inspiring public schools that have made exceptional gains in implementing the academic content and performance standards adopted by the State Board of Education for all students.

Celebrating Educators

Each year, the 23 school districts in Riverside County and the Riverside County Office of Education select employees to recognize as their educators of the year in various categories. These educators are among those nominated by their co-workers and supervisors, and then selected based on local criteria. Employees selected at the district level move forward as candidates for Riverside County Educators of the Year in similar categories. From among those nominations, the County Educators of the Year are selected and recognized at the Celebrating Educators event. Join us for the 2024 Celebrating Educators Luncheon on May 7, 2024.

The event honors the Riverside County Educators of the Year including: Certificated Administrator, Classified Administration, Classified Employee, Confidential Employee, Principal, School Counselor, Site Support, and Teacher. Meet the 2023 Educators of the Year.

Models of Academic Excellence and Innovation

The Models of Academic Excellence and Innovation recognizes outstanding practices, as evidenced by data and site visitations, that address instructional strategies, student engagement, school culture, and many other factors that research has shown contribute to improving student academic achievement. In addition, these programs can be replicated countywide. Each Model of Academic Excellence and Innovation receives a plaque for display at their school or district office.

Operation Recognition

Operation Recognition is one of the greatest honors RCOE has - to bestow high school diplomas to U.S. veterans from World War II, the Korean War, and Vietnam War. The diplomas are awarded as a joint effort of the Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, the Riverside County Board of Education, and the Riverside County Department of Veterans' Services.

The program is open to residents of Riverside County whose high school education was interrupted by military service or due to internment in World War II Japanese-American relocation camps. Each of these veterans sacrificed the completion of their formal public education in order to serve their country in its extreme hour of need. Since 2007, 377 diplomas have been awarded. (More information.)

RCOE Employee Recognition

The Employee Recognition event celebrates RCOE employees of the year, recognizes employees for their years of service, and honors retirees from the organization. Meet the 2023 Employees of the Year honorees.