Each year, the African American Parent Advisory Committee (AAPAC), in partnership with Saint Margaret’s Episcopal Church (Palm Desert), hosts a heartfelt ceremony to honor the academic achievements of African American scholars within DSUSD.

This annual celebration shines a spotlight on the district’s outstanding students, who will be attending universities and colleges across the nation. Institutions our scholars will be attending include:

• Boise State University
• University of California, Irvine
• University of Southern California
• Arizona State University
• California State University, San Marcos
• California State University, Northridge
• Riverside Community College
• University of California, Davis
• College of the Desert
• University of San Diego
• California State University, Fullerton
• San Diego State University

With a generous donation of $3,000 from Saint Margaret’s Episcopal Church, each honored student received a ceremonial kente stole—a symbol of academic accomplishment and cultural pride. Additionally, the donation provided scholarship funds for four deserving students.

These selected scholars responded to the following essay prompt:
"Who or what has inspired you to continue your education beyond high school, and what impact did they have on your decision?"

After reviewing a truly inspiring set of submissions, four students were selected to receive $500 scholarships in support of their continued academic journeys.

	Anya Arceneaux Graduate of Palm Desert High School   Anya will attend Boise State University.
	Alyssa Eggers Graduate of La Quinta High School   Alyssa will be attending the University of California at San Diego.
	Shadai Boyle Graduate of La Quinta High School   Shadai will be attending Xavier University of Louisiana.
	Summer Slaughter Graduate of La Quinta High School   Summer will attend the University of Southern California.

This annual tradition not only celebrates achievement but also affirms the power of community, culture, and the shared belief in a bright future for DSUSD’s scholars.