$60K In 'Do The Right Thing' Scholarships Awarded To 47 RivCo Grads

PALM SPRINGS, CA — The Palm Springs Unified School District is awarding $60,000 in scholarships to 47 graduating seniors across three Coachella Valley school districts during a graduation ceremony later this week.

The Do the Right Thing program will present scholarships ranging from $1,000 to $1,500 to 47 students representing all 14 high schools in the Coachella Valley, according to the district.

The event was Monday at the Desert Learning Academy, at 2248 E. Ramon Rd in Palm Springs.

"This program has made a big impact in our community. Young people need to be recognized for doing good deeds and making good choices," Palm Springs Police Chief and DTRT board vice president Andrew Mills said in a statement. "In just its first two years, DTRT has recognized and honored more than 2,000 youth in our valley for doing the right thing. We are very happy to be part of this great program."

Eight graduating students also received special recognition awards. The students were selected from 300 nominees submitted by teachers and principals from the Palm Springs, Desert Sands and Coachella Valley Unified School Districts, district officials said.

"We had not initially intended to fund every student nominated but in reviewing the applications, we were struck by the level of need that exists and opted to provide scholarships to all of these very deserving students," said DTRT founder Dr. Terri Ketover in a statement. "We believe that our sponsors and donors provide funds to help youth that are struggling today, and are confident they will continue to support this life changing program next year and into the future."