FIVE LOCAL middle school and high schools were recognized as “Distinguished Schools” by the state education department (Shutterstock).

Five schools serving our West Orange County area have been honored as California Distinguished Schools.

The state Department of Education gave that recognition to 293 middle and high schools across the state and 39 in Orange County.

By districts, the local honorees are:

Anaheim Union High School District

• Magnolia High School (located in Anaheim, but serves part of Stanton).

Garden Grove Unified School District

• Bell Intermediate School (Garden Grove)
• McGarvin Intermediate School (Westminster)

Huntington Beach City School District 

• Dwyer Middle School (Huntington Beach)

Westminster School District

• Stacey Middle School (Huntington Beach).

“This year’s California Distinguished Schools celebration provides us with an opportunity to recognize the hard work of our secondary educators and school staff who help our young adults discover passions and access college- and career-ready experiences that will propel them through life,” said Superintendent of Public Instruction Tony Thurmond.