EUREKA (March 9, 2026) – The Humboldt County Office of Education (HCOE) proudly celebrated 28 exceptional high school seniors at its 19th annual Academic Achievement Awards ceremony on Wednesday, March 4.

This annual event showcases students who have demonstrated remarkable academic excellence, leadership, and dedication to their school communities. All nominees who completed the application process received scholarships, and the evening concluded with the announcement of this year’s two Stellar Student Award recipients.

Since its inception, the Academic Achievement program has recognized Humboldt County’s top-performing seniors. Every fall, school administrators nominate students who exemplify academic strength, the applied use of their skills, and meaningful involvement in leadership or community service.

Each nominated student has shown a strong commitment to their education while contributing positively to their communities. They are leaders, mentors, volunteers, and active participants in shaping a better future for Humboldt County.

“These students have demonstrated what’s possible when curiosity, effort, and strong support from teachers and families come together,” said Michael Davies-Hughes, County Superintendent of Schools. “Their achievements reflect the strength of our schools and the bright future ahead for Humboldt County.”

The ceremony also included the reveal of the 2026 Stellar Student Award recipients — an honor given to the two students who best embody academic excellence, leadership, and community engagement. This year’s awards went to Geneveive Caruso of Arcata High School and Sabine John of Six Rivers Charter High School.

The following students were recognized:

• Alder Grove Charter School
  • Rachel Villiapando
• Eureka High School
  • Autumn Morales
  • Summer Morales
  • Jackson Vasquez-Reyes
  • Sophia Grimmett
  • Hafsa El Bahi
• Ferndale High School
  • Tinnley Pidgeon
• Fortuna High School
  • Jezlyn Stokes
  • Lilyan Newell
  • Ruby Stokes
• Academy of the Redwoods
  • Ashlee Dunlap
  • Avery Naset
• Hoopa High School
  • Trinity Moore
  • Monteya Colegrove
• Arcata High School
  • Rowan Magnuson
  • John Adams
  • Geneveive Caruso
  • Anna McLaughlin
  • Aliyah Aaron
• McKinleyville High School
  • Morgan Zhao
  • Keira McWilliams
  • Jasmine Goodwin
• Six Rivers Charter
  • Sabine John
• North Coast Preparatory Academy
  • Emi Hatchimonji
• Northern United Charter School
  • Catarina Freitas
• Pacific View
  • Lola Boyce
• South Fork High School
  • Molly Perkins
• Bernard’s High School
  • Tyler Hinrichs

For more information, please visit https://hcoe.org/aa-team/or contact Ann Marie Gildersleeve, Program and Event Coordinator for Career and College Resources, agildersleeve@hcoe.org or 707-445-7020.