Desert Cove PTO has the honor of presenting a very special award—one that celebrates not just excellence, but heart, dedication, and an unwavering commitment to our school community.

2026 marks the very first presentation of the PTO Rock Star Award—an award that will be given annually to one teacher and one staff member who go above and beyond in supporting the Desert Cove PTO and enriching the experiences of our students and families.

Here are our 2026 recipients of the PTO Rock Star Award!

(From left: Coach Phillips, Mr. Dave Dundas, Mr. Allen; not pictured, Ms. Nancy)

Mr. Dave Dundas (2026, Teacher)

We believed it was only fitting that this award be named in honor its very first recipient, an authentic rock star, Mr. Dave Dundas.

Since joining Desert Cove in 2007 as a 4th grade teacher, Mr. Dundas has become a cornerstone of our school community. His dedication goes far beyond the classroom. In fact, he has participated in every single PTO event—except one—over nearly two decades. That level of commitment is nothing short of extraordinary.

But what truly sets Mr. Dundas apart is the energy, joy, and connection he brings to everything he does. As our resident DJ, he doesn’t just play music—he creates memories. His wildly entertaining personality lights up every event, and his genuine care for students is felt by all—even those who have never had him as a teacher. He has a unique way of making every student feel seen, valued, and excited to be part of our school. Simply put, our events—and our school—would not be the same without him.
Mr. Dundas embodies the spirit of this award in every sense. His enthusiasm, generosity, and unwavering support of the PTO have made a lasting impact on our community.

It is with great appreciation and admiration that we present the very first PTO Rock Star Award to Mr. Dave Dundas—the inspiration behind what will forever be known as the Dundas Award. Congratulations, and thank you for everything you do.

Coach Phillips (2026, Teacher)
Next, we are proud to recognize someone who has brought energy, laughter, and heart to Desert Cove in so many ways—Coach Phillips. During his 12 years with the district, Coach Phillips has made an incredible impact, not only as our PE teacher, but as a true member of the Desert Cove family. With a wife who teaches here and two daughters who attend, his connection to this school runs deep.
He brings a cheerful sense of humor and a playful spirit to everything he does, creating strong, lasting bonds with students—so much so that many were in tears when they learned he would be moving on within the district.

Coach Phillips shows up for our PTO not just as a staff member, but as a parent, attending meetings and supporting events whenever he can. And no matter how big—or how silly—the ask, he’s always willing to jump in… even if it means being taped to a wall.

His positivity, dedication, and willingness to go above and beyond make him a true Rock Star.

Mr. Allen (2026, Staff)
Our next honoree is someone who works tirelessly behind the scenes, yet is absolutely essential to everything we do—Mr. Allen.
Since 2007, Mr. Allen has been the glue that holds Desert Cove together. As our custodian, he does so much more than keep our campus running—he actively supports both staff and PTO in ways that often go unseen, but are always deeply appreciated.

Mr. Allen has a special gift for anticipating needs we didn’t even know we had. Whether it’s finding just the right item at just the right time or coming up with creative solutions to support our events, he is an invaluable resource. More than that, he brings a big heart and a genuine love for Desert Cove to everything he does. We are so grateful for his dedication, his creativity, and the countless ways he helps make our school a better place.

Ms. Nancy (2026, Staff)
And finally, we are thrilled to recognize someone whose creativity and dedication touch nearly every corner of our school—Ms. Nancy. For the past 9 years as our librarian, Ms. Nancy has been an integral part of so many Desert Cove traditions and events—from Kindergarten Round-Up and graduation, to welcoming the Tender Little Hearts miniature horses.

She pours her creativity into everything she does, transforming the library into a vibrant, joyful space for
holidays, special events, and celebrations like Dr. Seuss Week. She is also an incredible partner to the PTO. Time and again, she graciously shares her space—hosting meetings, book fairs, and events that completely rearrange and temporarily take over her library—with patience, flexibility, and a smile.
It is truly a joy to work alongside Ms. Nancy, whose creativity and generosity make such a lasting impact on our school community.