High honors for University High School

FRESNO, Calif. (KFSN) -- University High School in Fresno had two big reasons to celebrate. One - a major anniversary and two - a prestigious honor. UHS was named a National Blue Ribbon School.

University High's building isn't the only thing that shines bright. The school's 486 students headed over to Fresno State's Satellite Student Union for a UHS rarity - a pep rally.

Head of School James Bushman said, "They aren't part of our culture as you know we really don't have sports teams so we don't really have rallies. Usually kids are in school during the school day."

This was a celebration of academic excellence. University High was named one of 51 National Blue Ribbon high schools. It was one of just three high schools named in California.

Bushman explained, "A lot of it has to do with test scores. How the kids have performed over the years."

ASB president Jeannette Ewy said, "It's very exciting. As you can see we have a DJ, a pep band and different classes created posters to help celebrate school spirit."

The rally served as a well-deserved break for these kids who focus on music as well as college prep classes at the charter high school.

ASB vice-president Octavio Galaviz said, "So we're celebrating the fact that our school is a totally different environment and that were one of the top schools in the nation."

The school also celebrated its 15th anniversary. Teachers Jim Torrance and Brenda Royce have been there from the beginning.

Royce said, "The facility has gone from makeshift to a state-of-the-art school and that's pretty exciting as a science teacher."

Torrance added, "It's really the students that really get the credit I think for building our school into such a powerful school."

Frank Sparkes Elementary in Winton and Pinedale Elementary school were also named National Blue Ribbon schools. Awards will be handed out next month in Washington, D.C.