Humboldt County Office of Education: Academic Achievement Team

Back row: Ann Marie Rocha, Rocklin Austrus, Stella Lewis, Samantha Camacho, Claire Shin, Giselle Salas, Lillian Afridi, Arpita Panta, Ayla Weiss, Brianna Anderson, Ohsoo Kwon, Rylee Collart, David Holster, Kees Van Dissel, Kenyon Bauer, Lachlan Lewis, Morgan Chittenden, Michael Davies-Hughes. Front row: Greg Pronovost-Carlson, Valenie Lee, Wesley Way, Mason Blair, Holden Smith, Tanyah Keisling-Limberg, Tatum Fisher, Gabrielle Watson, Austin Mitchell, Aizlin Bluntzer, Lila Woodworth. Not pictured: Tess Taylor, Millenia McKindley, Willow Talbott

The Academic Achievement Program

For the last 18 years, the Academic Achievement program has recognized approximately 30 outstanding high school seniors. Each fall, Humboldt County administrators are asked to nominate their top senior (s) based on their exceptional academic records, demonstrated application of their academic skills, and noteworthy involvement in leadership and community activities.

Each candidate has demonstrated a commitment to learning and involvement both inside and outside the classroom. In their community they are volunteers, leaders, and change agents.

All the nominees are invited to complete an application, submit essays, and be interviewed to determine which student (or students) have achieved the exceptional designation of “Stellar Student.” On Wednesday, March 5, 2025, HCOE hosted an Awards Ceremony to recognize and celebrate all Academic Achievement nominees and announce the Stellar Students. Roughly $8,000 in scholarships are presented, and each nominee receives a scholarship.

The Academic Achievement program provides a process of honoring the top performing students who achieve beyond their school community with monetary scholarships, community recognition, and validation of the young scholars’ successes.

2024 Stellar Student Award Winners: Right to Left: Arpita Panta, Claire Shin, and County Office Superintendent Michael Davies-Hughes