Nine talented, hard-working, and resilient Coachella Valley High School seniors in the class of 2024 earned $2500 scholarships last spring in recognition of their academic achievements, commitment to community service, and remarkable dedication. The nine desert honorees hailed from Desert Sands, Coachella Valley, and Palm Springs School Districts. The breakfast event took place on April 30th at The Classic Club in Palm Desert.
The inaugural Greater Coachella Valley Student of the Year ceremony— hosted by the Riverside County Office of Education— was the culmination of multiple Student of the Month events and a celebration of this set of impressive students.
These kids had their 8th grade graduation canceled and started High School on Zoom. For many, this was the first time they were recognized for academic achievement. Each gave a speech, surrounded by loved ones, teachers, principals, and their desert community. Organized by the Riverside County Office of Education (RCOE), the event was spearheaded by the Riverside County Superintendent of Schools, Dr. Edwin Gomez.
“The first Greater Coachella Valley Student of the Year represents an opportunity to hear from, and recognize, these outstanding high school seniors before their higher education dreams take them to schools like UCLA, Berkeley, and more,” said Dr. Gomez. “Their inspiring stories of resilience and determination are what give us all hope for the future of the Coachella Valley, our state, and our nation.”
RCOE selected two scholarship recipients from each of three desert-area school districts: Coachella Valley Unified School District, Desert Sands Unified School District, and Palm Springs Unified School District. Beyond an initial six recipients, three additional scholarships were provided by community partners. Sun Community Federal Credit Union selected two recipients, and Altura Credit Union selected one additional recipient. The nine total recipients were chosen based on their outstanding academic achievements, active participation in high school life, and their inspiring journeys of self-improvement and transformation.
Craig Petinak, Director Public Relations & Communications Services for the
The Office of the Riverside County Superintendent of Schools said the event was a joyous celebration and illustrated “why you should be paying attention to these kids.”
Students like Lota Uyanwune— from Cathedral City High School— illustrate how hard work and perseverance pay off. Lota’s parents immigrated from Nigeria to the United States, a decision that has provided a safe future for their family, but also came with financial, logistical, and social challenges that Lota is determined to overcome. Lota’s drive to challenge herself has included rigorous academic coursework (AP courses), leadership (ASB and HOSA), and community involvement (volunteering at blood drives and health clinics). Her goal is to major in psychology at UCLA this Fall to better understand the complexity of human emotions before attending medical school and becoming an OB/ GYN. She plans to return to the Coachella Valley to give back to the community—specifically to serve minority and low-income women. Lota was described by her assistant principal, Todd Diliberto. as someone who manages demands and stress with “poise and grace.”
Camron McLaughlin from La Quinta High School struggled during the pandemic and retreated into playing video games, sometimes for more than eight hours a day, seven days a week. When he finally snapped out of the lockdown funk, he joined the school band to play tuba, as well as multiple clubs dedicated to community service: "I love to see growth within myself and others, and most of the time, the growth within myself comes from helping others," he said. This fall, he is studying mechanical engineering at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, his dream school.
Xitlali Natividad from Shadow Hills High School, is the first in her family to go to college. Her determination and success followed periods of housing insecurity when she had no access to running water, working wi-fi, or a functioning thermostat. The challenges taught Xitlali how to problem solve in order to stay on track at school and in life. She contributed more than 270 hours of community service, and says not letting obstacles, self-doubt, and lack of family connections limit her development has helped her pursue her dreams. She is excited to be studying environmental science at UC Davis with the aim of becoming an environmental planner. She hopes to create new avenues for herself and her family while championing sustainability.
Many of the students received dual degrees from College of the Desert and their high schools, and many have been awarded scholarships to continue their studies. Petinak says there was a buzz in the crowd and plenty of wow’s when each student came to receive their scholarship. The room was aglow with 100-150 in the audience cheering on the students of the year, and each got a giant check made out to them. The pride felt by both parents and educators in the room was palpable.
RCOE is a service agency supporting the county’s 23 school districts and 500+ schools that serve nearly 430,000 students. RCOE services include administrative support to districts and charter schools, programs for preschool, special education, pregnant minors, correctional, migrant, and vocational students. In addition, the organization provides professional training, support, and resources for more than 18,000 teachers, administrators, and staff. Learn more at www.rcoe.us.
