Three Los Angeles-area high schools earn national honors

This week, three Los Angeles-area high schools were named recipients of the prestigious Katherine Blasik Distinguished Award. 

The honor, bestowed by the national nonprofit NAF, celebrates schools that have excelled in preparing students for both college and careers through innovative, hands-on learning pathways.

The awards are part of a broader movement to close the workforce readiness gap by giving high school students meaningful access to career skills, mentorship and real-world experience. Of the 209 academies honored across the country, three were based in the Los Angeles area: Azusa High’s Academy of Health Sciences and Academy of Engineering, Burbank High’s Academy of Finance and Health Science, and John Burroughs High School’s Academy of Health Science. Notably, it is the first time that the Azusa High School Academy of Engineering has received this award.

"Achieving NAF's Katherine Blasik Distinguished level represents the culmination of years of effort and shines a light on the unwavering dedication of every member of our NAF academy"  said Arturo Ortega, superintendent of the Azusa Unified School District, praising the staff for their continued commitment. 

Superintendent Ortega highlighted the wide range of internship opportunities available to students through the NAF academy, offering them hands-on experience in their chosen fields. He noted that the program gives students a meaningful advantage as they prepare for life beyond high school.

Last year, NAF academies across the country boasted a 100 percent graduation rate, with over 90 percent of students continuing on to college. More than half secured internships with local businesses, allowing them to gain critical workplace skills before they even earned their diplomas.

NAF Chief Executive Officer Lisa Dughi congratulated the recipients for “joining the ranks.” She stated that NAF is “thrilled to spotlight your contributions and successes in preparing the next generation of leaders. We thank you for your hard work and dedication, and know that the entire network will benefit from your impressive exemplars.”  

In Southern California, where students from diverse socioeconomic backgrounds often face uneven access to professional opportunities, these academies are helping provide pathways to opportunities. Students get to explore fields like healthcare, finance and engineering, but also build resumes that make them competitive in both college admissions and the job market.

The award reflects a broader initiative by educators and business leaders to provide high school students across all communities with practical job skills and meaningful business connections that could shape their future.

"This recognition underscores the need for this kind of opportunity within our community" stated Superintendent Ortega, "validating our mission and highlighting our impact in preparing students for future success."