Desert Mirage Wins Award of Distinction in an International Global Design Challenge

Team recognized globally for their innovation, empathy, and vision for the future of learning

Desert Mirage Elementary School in the Pendergast Elementary School District is thrilled to announce that its student design team, Team Family, has earned the Award of Distinction (2nd Place) in the 2024–2025 International SchoolsNEXT Design Competition, hosted by the Association for Learning Environments (A4LE).

Competing against top middle school teams from around the world, the Desert Mirage team impressed jurors with a project that embodied the theme “One School, One Family.” Their innovative design concept, inspired by the symbolic gesture of a hug, centered on creating learning environments that are inclusive, emotionally supportive, sustainable, and community-oriented.

Jurors praised the project for its empathetic, human-centered approach to design, noting the team’s thoughtful inclusion of quiet spaces for self-regulation, community gathering areas, a school greenhouse, and dedicated staff wellness spaces. One judge remarked, “This attention to well-being on every scale was both impactful and commendable.”

The team also received accolades for their critical analysis of their current school environment, using that insight to propose flexible, student-centered spaces that better support collaboration, mental health, and equity for all learners.

“This Award of Distinction is a testament to the creativity, teamwork, and heart of our students,” said Mr. Williams, Principal of Desert Mirage Elementary. “They reimagined what a school could be—not just a place for learning, but a place that truly reflects care, culture, and community.”

The team was guided by Dr. John Carlo Tulinao and Mr. Moises Guzman, dedicated educators who helped mentor and support the students throughout the design journey. Special thanks are also extended to Orcutt | Winslow, whose continued partnership brought real-world design mentorship to the classroom.

As a result of their recognition, the Desert Mirage team has been invited to present their project at LearningSCAPES, A4LE’s annual conference in Phoenix this fall. This opportunity will allow students to share their vision with national and international leaders in education and school design.

“We are incredibly proud of our students for not only reaching the international level but for leaving a lasting impression with their compassion and innovation,” said Dr. Jennifer Cruz, Superintendent of the Pendergast District. “They are the future of education—and they’re already shaping it.”

To learn more about the SchoolsNEXT program, visit https://www.a4le.org/schoolsnext or contact:

Ramiro Alvarez
Public Information Officer
ralvarez@pesd92.org
623-772-2292