Each year, the Palm Springs chapter of the Air and Space Forces Association honors an outstanding K–12 educator who demonstrates exceptional commitment to STEM (science, technology, engineering, and mathematics) education and positively impacts the lives of students. This year, that honor goes to Dana Sanchez, an Information Technology teacher at Coachella Valley High School.

Dana teaches courses in IT, cybersecurity (including CISCO certification), and business information systems. She also played a key role in our 2025 Cyber Cup Competition by coaching two student teams—one of which earned second place in our regional event.

Recognized first as our local Chapter Teacher of the Year, Dana went on to compete with teachers nominated by other California chapters and was ultimately selected as the Air and Space Forces Association’s 2025 California State Teacher of the Year.

In a May 8 awards ceremony held at Coachella Valley High School, Dana was honored in the presence of the school district superintendent and other officials. She received certificates of recognition from the Air and Space Forces Association and Congressman Ken Calvert. In addition, she will be awarded $750 in prize money and an official jacket from the national organization.

The presentation was made by Jim McFarlin, our chapter’s Vice President for Education, and Tony Della-Moretta, Chapter 134 President, with members Becky Humphreys and Phillip Spencer also in attendance.

Dana will further contribute her expertise this summer as an instructor at our inaugural Cyber Camp, taking place June 23–27 at the California State University, San Bernardino – Palm Desert Campus.

This marks the third consecutive year that our chapter’s Teacher of the Year has also received the statewide award—an inspiring testament to the high caliber of educators we are privileged to work with in the Coachella Valley.