EUREKA, Calif. — Academy of the Redwoods of Eureka was recognized as a 2026 California Distinguished School during a statewide awards ceremony held April 24 at the Disneyland Hotel in Anaheim.
Principal Jack Millsap and teacher-advisor Gini Wozny attended the event on behalf of the school, which was among 408 middle and high schools selected for the distinction. The ceremony, hosted by the California Department of Education, brought together representatives from across the state, including State Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.
The California Distinguished Schools Program, established in 1985, is one of the state’s highest honors for public schools. It recognizes campuses based on measures such as academic achievement, graduation rates, college and career readiness, and school climate, using data from the California School Dashboard.
As part of the recognition, Academy of the Redwoods received an official award and a commemorative banner. School staff and members of the Fortuna Union High School District were also given commemorative jackets marking the achievement.
Academy of the Redwoods is an early college high school partnership between the Fortuna Union High School District and College of the Redwoods. The program allows students to complete high school requirements while earning transferable college credits.
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