PSUSD staff honored at Desert Hot Springs Rotary Club’s Big Heart Awards

Palm Springs Unified School District staff were among those recognized at the Desert Hot Springs Rotary Club’s 10th Annual Big Heart Awards, an event that celebrates individuals making a meaningful impact in their community.

For a decade, the Desert Hot Springs Rotary Club has hosted the event, shining a spotlight on those who give their all to the community.

The PSUSD staff among this year’s honorees were:

• Kristen Candaux, 2025 Elementary School Teacher of the Year

• Maria Arango, 2025 Middle School Teacher of the Year

• Jung Choi, 2025 High School Teacher of the Year

• Elizabeth Gomez of Julius Corsini Elementary School, 2025 Principal of the Year

• Teresita Perez, 2025 Community Partner of the Year

“It's so important to highlight key people in the community who are really going above and beyond,” said Alyssa Nieto, president of the Desert Hot Springs Rotary Club.

Nieto, a Desert Hot Springs High School graduate, said her own experience with Rotary as a student shaped her commitment to service.

“Since we work so much with the youth, we like to honor those who serve our youth as well, and that's our teachers and our educators,” she said.

Each year, the club honors one educator from the elementary, middle and high school levels, along with a principal. This year’s ceremony also recognized a community partner.

Teresita Perez, a family and community engagement specialist at Desert Hot Springs High School, was named Community Partner of the Year. The club described her as a trusted resource for students and families, helping build a sense of belonging on campus.

“When it becomes a passion with what you do, it doesn't feel like work. I treat every kid like they're my kids. I treat a family like they're my family,” Perez said.

Beyond the awards, the Rotary Club supports students year-round by funding college scholarships, providing school supplies, and sponsoring leadership camps and student organizations.

“One of the big things that rotary cares for is definitely the youth in the community, and to be partnering with schools and offering all these different opportunities,” said Annette Torres, president of the Interact Club at Desert Hot Springs High School.

Torres said her involvement in the student-led Rotary program has helped her grow personally.

“I've developed a lot of skills, like teamwork, communication. I'm a really shy person, so this definitely brought me out of that shell,” she said.

The partnership between the Rotary Club and Palm Springs Unified School District continues to expand, creating opportunities for students across the community.

“I want to let everybody know that everybody can make a difference. It's really easy to make a difference,” Perez said.

While the Big Heart Awards take place on one night, organizers say the Rotary Club’s impact is felt throughout the year.