鶹Ƶ proud to announce the next round of National Merit Scholars. Eight students were named recipients of the prestigious $2,500 National Merit Scholarships, the highest number awarded to any school district in Orange County. This is the second of three rounds in the National Merit Scholarship Program to be awarded.
Naomi Gesk, a senior at University High, has been named the prestigious title of Orange County Register’s 2026 Artist of the Year for Instrumental Music. She is one of seven artists to win this award for their respective art disciplines.
Seven IUSD 8th graders were celebrated and recognized for academic excellence during the 2026 Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID) 8th Grade Standout Award Ceremony at Angel Stadium.
Krista Elliott, school nurse at Oak Creek and Springbrook Elementary 鶹Ƶ, has been named the recipient of the Excellence in School Nursing Award for the Southern Section by the California School Nurse Organization (CSNO).
IUSD announced its five 2026 Classified Employees of the Year: Diana Dru, Katherine Lee, Regina Lee, Katrina Longpre and Albert Madrid. This year’s five employees were selected from more than 2,000 classified employees Districtwide.
IUSD students made a strong showing at this year’s National History Day-California, with 11 student projects emerging as junior and senior division champions.
University High School’s Science Bowl team placed eighth in the nation, outperforming more than 60 high school teams from across the United States at the National Competition.
Sierra Vista Middle School Music Teacher Henry Miller has been named a 2026 Country Music Artist (CMA) Music Teacher of Excellence. This award, presented by the CMA Foundation, celebrates 30 teachers who demonstrate teaching excellence, create positive learning environments and make a lasting impact in their communities.
This award recognizes one exceptional school nurse whose leadership, innovation and dedication have made a meaningful impact on student health and wellness.
University secured first place at this year’s virtual “Sponge Bowl,” a competitive event featuring top high school teams from across California and the nation. The team went undefeated across all rounds, consistently outperforming a strong field of competitors.