Harvest High had a year to remember.

Principal Kathy Diederich shared those highlights at Monday’s Ripon Unified school board meeting.

Included was the district’s alternative education site being recognized as a Model Continuation School back in the spring.

Harvest High was among the schools honored as a California Model School Program, which is a collaborative effort between the California State Department of Education and the California Continuation Education Association Plus – both identify and recognize those outstanding continuation and community day schools.

Diedrich noted that Harvest High, based on the 2024-2025 data, had total enrollment of 26 students, with a 97.79 percent attendance average and a 100 percent graduation rate among its 12 seniors.

“We have 23 (students) enrolled at this moment,” she said.

The suspension rate at Harvest High decreased by 4.5 percent while those going to college or pursuing a career increased by 3.6 percent in being prepared.

Besides the Model Continuation School award, Harvest High became fully accredited by the Western Association of School and Colleges-Accrediting Commission of Schools for the next six years with a mid-year review.

Juniors and seniors got involved in the community by taking part in the recent Almond Blossom Festival baking contest – they took first place.

Individual honors went to Alix Vigil, who was recognized for the San Joaquin County Office of Education’s Every Student Succeeds award.

Diedrich noted that students enjoyed the various field trips, including Camp Taylor, the San Jose Science Museum, the Great Valley Museum, Gallo Nutcracker, senior bowling, the USS Hornet, Delta College, and an end-of-the-year kayaking experience.

In other community events, Harvest High students took part in the Main Street Days Fun Run, last October’s scarecrow contest, Bethany Home Christmas, and RUSD Family Science Night.

They’re hoping to do much of the same for this year, according to Diedrich.

“We may have to re-think our field trip days,” she said, noting the limited funding.

Plans still call for students to take the tour of Delta College and Modesto Junior College as well as Camp Taylor, Durham Ferry, Gallo, and kayaking.