April 8, 2009 > Washington, Hopkins are Distinguished Schools Washington, Hopkins are Distinguished Schools Washington High and Hopkins Junior High were selected as California Distinguished Schools. The annual award recognizes the state's most exemplary public schools. To qualify, they had to provide an in-depth description of two "signature" practices that are directly related to student success and can be replicated elsewhere. An intensive site visit was also part of the process. "Both schools have done a great job closing the achievement gap and focusing on student engagement," said Dr. Milt Werner, district superintendent. "Staff and students at both Hopkins and Washington should be proud of this wonderful accomplishment."