Palm Springs Unified Honors Resilient Students at Annual PSLA Awards

Students from across the Palm Springs Unified School District were recognized last week for overcoming obstacles and staying on track during the district’s annual Palm Springs Leadership Association (PSLA) awards ceremony.

Among the honorees, Desert Hot Springs High School senior Chase Lyons was selected as the district’s PSLA award winner and will advance to the regional level.

The PSLA awards celebrate students from elementary through high school who demonstrate resilience, growth and determination. Lyons said the recognition was both emotional and affirming.

“It just feels so overwhelming with a lot of emotions,” Lyons said. “It makes me feel very, very happy.”

Lyons credited family, educators and peers for supporting him through challenges.

“I would love to thank everybody that supported me on this journey and everybody who tried helping me succeed,” he said.

School leaders said Lyons’ progress stood out among a strong group of nominees.

“His growth has been remarkable. His resilience, his self-awareness, his determination,” said president of the Palm Springs Leadership Association Matthew Hammond. “Ultimately, he’s placed himself on track to graduate this year, which a couple of years ago didn’t seem possible for him.”

The awards are organized through the Association of California School Administrators. Hammond said selecting one student from each school is a collaborative and often emotional process.

“There are times where you have to really fight back being choked up when you hear and read some of the stories,” Hammond said. “You’re only getting the tip of the iceberg.”

Students are honored in front of school leaders, staff, family and friends. Hammond said the recognition goes beyond celebration, helping motivate students to keep moving forward.

“It fuels their internal fire,” he said. “It provides that recognition that we see them.”

Lyons will now compete at the regional level, where advancing to the state stage could make him eligible for scholarship opportunities.