Poetry, Prose & Aztec Pride!

Palm Desert High School students are earning top honors and turning heads with their incredible writing talent this spring! Under the guidance of longtime English teacher Gary Wise, PDHS students once again showcased their creativity, imagination, and literary excellence in two prestigious regional competitions.

For the 13th consecutive year, Mr. Wise’s students captured top awards in the City of Palm Desert’s Art & Essay Contest, themed “What Grows In My Dream Garden?” PDHS swept the 11th-grade division with Francisco C. earning 1st place, Michelle S. taking 2nd, and Amelie P. receiving 3rd place honors. In the 12th-grade division, Madeline K. earned 2nd place and Ava M. received 3rd place recognition. Students were honored during a special ceremony at the UCR Palm Desert Center auditorium, where awards were presented by Palm Desert Mayor Evan Trubee.

The celebration of student writing continued in the Jewish Federation of the Desert’s Art & Poetry Contest, where PDHS students dominated the high school poetry category for the third straight year. Centered on the theme “A New Day Will Rise,” the contest featured powerful and heartfelt poetry from students across the entire Coachella Valley. Matthew M. earned 1st place and a $300 award, Madeline K. received 2nd place and $200, and Nayeli U. took 3rd place along with a $100 prize. A highlight of the event included Matthew M.’s moving live reading of his winning poem. Congratulations to these talented student writers and to Gary Wise for continuing to inspire excellence, creativity, and a love of writing at Palm Desert High School!