NEWPORT BEACH

Newport Harbor High School is striving to be the best. After being named a California Distinguished School last year, the school is in the running for a national Blue Ribbon Award, the highest honor bestowed by the federal government on a local school. If awarded Blue Ribbon status, Newport Harbor would be the third Newport-Mesa district school in three years to receive the honor. Principal Bob Boies was notified recently that state officials have recommended the school be included in the nationwide evaluation to determine the country’s best schools. If chosen as a national finalist, the school would then have to pass personal inspections by officials with the U.S. Department of Education.