BAKERSFIELD, Calif. - Liberty High School has been named by the California Department of Education as a California Distinguished School for 2013.

Liberty High is one of 218 California middle and high schools to be honored distinguished schools this years, said Tom Torlakson, the States Superintendent of Public Instruction.

"These schools have gone the extra mile to provide high-quality instruction that puts their students on the right path toward career and college," Torlakson said. "Given the enormous challenges schools have faced in recent years, it is inspiring to see this kind of success in so many schools. Our future depends on meeting the needs of every student no matter where they come from or where they live."

The 2013 California Distinguished Schools Program directly focuses on the right of California's students to an equitable and rigorous education, and recognizes those schools that have made progress in narrowing the academic achievement gap, Torlarkson added.

In a letter to Libby Wyatt, the Principal of Liberty High, Torlakson wrote, This award is a direct reflection of the dedication, hard work, and vision of Liberty High Schools educational community, and I am pleased to be able to award this honor.

Kern High School District schools have been a California Distinguished Schools a total of 16 times since the program was instituted in 1986. Some KHSD schools have received the honor more than once. This is the first time Liberty High has received the award. Liberty High opened in 1999.

Other KHSD schools to have been named California Distinguished Schools include Arvin High (1993-94), Bakersfield High (1993-94), Centennial High (2010-11), East Bakersfield High (1985-86, 1995-96), Foothill High (1993-94), Highland High (1987-88, 1993-94), Kern Valley High (1989-90,1995-96, 2006-07), South High (1993-94), Stockdale High (2006-07) and West High (1986-87,1995-96).

To apply for Distinguished School honors, schools must meet a variety of eligibility criteria, including accountability measures. Once schools are deemed eligible, the California Department of Education (CDE) invites them to apply to be recognized as a California Distinguished School. The application process consists of a written application, which includes a comprehensive description of two of the school's signature practices, and a county-led site validation review process, which validates the implementation of those signature practices.

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Liberty High named distinguished school