Youngker High School recognized with prestegious A+ award

Youngker High School was named an A+ School of Excellence Award recipient by the Arizona Educational Foundation today.

Hundreds of schools apply annually for the award. An A+ rating is awarded to schools with strong leadership, high-quality students, teachers and outstanding academics.

“I'm so excited that this is your first award, and I want to share a little bit about what the judges say after their conclusion,” she said. “It was abundantly clear that the standard of excellence is deeply embedded in the culture of Youngker High School. From students and staff to custodian and community members, everyone works diligently to ensure that 'Youngker Way' is reflected in behavior, attitude and practice.”

Panels of judges at the Arizona Educational Foundation determined Youngker merited a site visit.

Michael Sivertson, Principal at Youngker, said the judges mostly avoided him during the site visit and focused on his exceptional staff and students.

“I want you all to be proud because you know what this award is about, everyone and everything,” he said. “This isn’t an award for the principal. In fact, when the committee was here, they didn’t even want to talk to me. But they did hint frequently that they were so impressed with our students. That’s only the feedback they would give for two days. And I said, thank you. I know.”

Youngker High School will hold the award for four years through 2029.

AEF announced 53 schools for the award, which is the highest state-level recognition given to a public school. The process was developed 42 years ago to identify and recognize schools for the U.S. Department of Education National Blue Ribbon Award.

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