On Saturday, May 4, 2002, Assemblymember Sarah Reyes presented John Marinovich with the California Lottery's Exceptional Educator Award on "The Big Spin" show. Assemblymember Reyes explains, "Seeing the need to strengthen the educational pipeline of under-represented minority students throughout the Central Valley, John collaborated with local Doctor Katherine Flores to implement and establish the Doctor's Academy, an exclusive "school within a school" environment at Sunnyside High School." In a unique partnership with the University of California at San Francisco School of Medicine, the Doctor's Academy is the only program in the Central Valley that focuses on identifying, educating, and preparing students with hopes that these students will return to their local communities to practice medicine. Reyes continued, "John, because of your progressive vision to enhance the academic opportunities of students, it is my privilege to proclaim you an Exceptional Educator.
When asked about the rigorous program that the students have to go through, Marinovich explained, "Students have to go through accelerated math, Science, writing classes, CPR training, participate in monthly Saturday academic workshops and volunteer in the community."