High School Superintendent Honored with Legacy Award at Scholarship Breakfast

Michael R. McCormick, superintendent of the Val Verde Unified School District, was honored with a Moreno Valley College Legacy Award at the Dolores Huerta and César E. Chávez Scholarship Breakfast. 

The Moreno Valley College Legacy Award recognizes outstanding leadership, service, stewardship, and commitment to social justice in the Inland Empire. Recipients have a proven record of impact in the Inland Empire, having worked tirelessly to transform our communities by advancing the region's educational and socio-economic needs through civic or educational leadership. 

McCormick is known for his passion for innovation and helping students acquire their higher education aspirations. Before becoming superintendent, McCormick served for six years as assistant superintendent for Education Services for Val Verde USD. 

Under his leadership, VVUSD has been recognized by American Association of School Administrators as a Learning 2025 Lighthouse District and the California Department of Education as a Pivotal Practice District in 2022. VVUSD has been recognized by the Leadership Policy Institute (2019) as a California school district that is “beating the odds” for African American and Hispanic student achievement; and Education Trust West named Val Verde USD as tops among California districts on closing the achievement gap.

The Scholarship Breakfast also featured keynote speaker Yxstian Guitierrez, Ph.D., supervisor, Riverside County Board of Supervisors - 5th District, folklórico dancers, and music performances from a local mariachi band and the MVC Guitar Ensemble. Scholarships were awarded to four local high school students recognized for their academic and community contributions, as well as three Moreno Valley College students, who received awards for their artistic submissions.