Arnold O. Beckman High School will celebrate its 2011 California Distinguished School Award on Wednesday, May 25.

Beckman High was named a distinguished school by the California Department of Education. This is the school’s second distinguished school award since it opened in 2004. Beckman received the first award in 2007.

Beckman will present its Distinguished School plaque and flag in a brief ceremony at the beginning of the school’s “Night of the Stars” program, which begins at 6:30 p.m. in the school gymnasium. “Night of the Stars” is a schoolwide awards program recognizing the top students in four areas – academics, athletics, activities and the arts.

“I’m very proud of the continuous academic growth and sustained achievement of our students,” said Principal Adele Heuer, “I’m also very grateful to our staff for their dedication to the success of our students and our parents for their tremendous support.”

Beckman High is among 97 exemplary California middle and high schools and 7 Orange County schools selected for the award. The school won based upon the quality of its programs and other criteria such as school leadership, student achievement, test scores, curriculum and instruction, technology, school environment, and parent and community support.

Beckman was also recognized for its outstanding programs and projects, including the Trū Blū character education program that emphasizes success in school and life; Irvine Valley College partnership in the Early College Program where students earn both a high school diploma and AA degree upon graduating from high school; an open tutorial program; a Professional Learning Community, which focuses on learning, collaborative culture and results orientation; a graduation rate remaining at 98 percent; and over 95 percent of the school’s graduating seniors attend a two-year or four-year college/university.

During the past six years, Tustin Unified has received 17 state distinguished school awards.

Beckman students get ready to celebrate distinguish school award.