The Western Center Academy in Hemet has nabbed the nation’s top award for schools.

It is one of 33 campuses in California — and the only one in the Inland Empire — to be named a 2024 National Blue Ribbon School.

The honor marks the second National Blue Ribbon for the charter school, which also won in 2017. It has been recognized as a California Distinguished School several times, including 2013, 2018, 2021 and 2024.

The national award went to 356 schools, the U.S. Department of Education announced Monday, Sept. 23. It “highlights schools that excel in academic performance or make significant strides in closing achievement gaps among different student groups,” a department news release states.Part of the Hemet Unified School District, the school is adjacent to the Western Science Center, a natural history museum, at the entrance to Diamond Valley Lake.

Among other feats, the school won the championship in 2024 and 2023 at the Riverside County Academic Decathlon. The academy has a STEM focus, with labs that delve into  paleontology, archaeology, robotics, forensics, coding, aquatic biology and geology, according to its website.The school, which has grades six through 12, will receive a National Blue Ribbon School award flag.

Blue Ribbon winners “serve as models of effective and innovative practices for educators across the nation,” the release states.

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MENIFEE, CA — Harvest Hill STEAM Academy teacher Misty McBee was named the 2025 Riverside County Teacher of the Year, Menifee Union School District announced Friday.

According to the district, the animatronics teacher is the first from that district to receive the honor and the first animatronics teacher to be awarded that distinction.

“This prestigious recognition marks a historic milestone,” Dr. Edwin Gomez, Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, said. He visited McBee’s classroom to personally deliver the news, and praised her for her innovative approach to education and her significant contributions to student learning and school culture.

“Misty is known by all for her striving to ensure all students receive the best learning opportunities possible through engaging curriculum and instructional strategies. She has created an animatronics course for students that prepares them for high school Career Technical Education courses and diverse career opportunities. Her classroom is one where students are motivated and engaged as they learn critical thinking and problem-solving skills in project-based learning modules.

Board Trustee Jackie Johansen highlighted that the enthusiasm in McBee’s classroom serves as a prime example and model for student engagement.

“The Riverside County Teacher of the Year award is a highly competitive honor, selected from nearly 20,000 educators,” the district said. “Candidates undergo a rigorous application process that includes nominations by peers and administrators, application reviews, interviews, and site visits by a selection committee. The final four candidates are chosen before the county superintendent announces the winners.

“This is the third year in a row that the Menifee Union School District has produced a county-level educator of the year. “

“Mrs. Tara Surguine was selected as the Riverside County Confidential Employee of the Year
in 2022. Then, in 2023, Principal Daphne Donoho from Táawila Elementary School was selected as the Riverside County Principal of the Year.

“The Menifee Union School District congratulates Misty McBee on this exceptional achievement and is honored to have such a dedicated and innovative educator represent the district.”

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