The California School Boards Association’s Golden Bell Award is one of the state’s highest recognitions for exemplary programs that demonstrate innovation, excellence, and lasting impact in public education. Golden Bell honorees serve as models for districts across California, showcasing effective practices that close equity gaps, elevate student achievement, and strengthen school communities. Earning a Golden Bell signifies a district’s commitment to visionary leadership, strategic implementation, and high-quality programs that transform student outcomes.

AVUHSD was honored with a 2025 CSBA Golden Bell Award in Expanded Learning and Engagement for its innovative inclusive sports initiatives, The Prime Time League and Overcoming Obstacles – Empowering All Learners Through Inclusive Sports and Leadership. Together, these programs transform expanded learning by creating spaces where students build physical wellness, social-emotional skills, leadership capacity, and academic confidence.

Overcoming Obstacles is AVUHSD’s district wide inclusive track and field event that brings students with and without disabilities together for a powerful day of connection and celebration. Participants showcase their abilities, cheer one another on, and build community through sportsmanship and teamwork.

Building on this success, The Prime Time League extends inclusive athletics into a year-round sports league of soccer and flag football. Students with and without disabilities practice, compete, and lead together using a peer/pair leadership model that promotes teamwork, belonging, and meaningful relationships across campuses. The league transforms after-school hours into a dynamic expanded-learning environment where students grow physically, socially, and academically.

Together, Overcoming Obstacles and the Prime Time League provide rich, engaging opportunities that advance equity, inclusion, and student empowerment. These programs strengthen school connectedness, elevate student voice, and create environments where every learner can thrive – fully embodying the core principles of Expanded Learning and Engagement.