One Class at a Time: Desert Mirage High School chemistry teacher surprised with $777.77 for classroom, community work
Garrett Hottle
THERMAL, Calif. (KESQ) What began as a simple walk down a school hallway turned into an emotional surprise for a Desert Mirage High School chemistry teacher whose impact reaches far beyond the classroom.
As part of News Channel 3’s One Class at a Time series, students and school officials joined representatives from Walter Clark Legal Group to surprise chemistry teacher Ms. Chino with a $777.77 check to support her work.
Ms. Chino was nominated by former student Erik Huerta, who studied under her in Chemistry Honors and AP Chemistry during his sophomore and junior years. Huerta is now headed to Columbia University.
In his nomination letter, Huerta described Chino as “the best teacher on our campus,” citing not only her dedication to academics, but her commitment to making students feel valued and capable.
“Her passion for teaching and her commitment to making every student feel valued and capable are truly inspiring,” Huerta wrote.
Chino teaches chemistry at Desert Mirage High School, where she currently leads a dual enrollment course in partnership with College of the Desert, allowing students to earn college credit while still in high school.
“I know chemistry has a bad reputation of being very difficult,” Chino said. “But I am so passionate about it. I’m just trying to share a little bit of that with them.”
The surprise included a check for $777.77, which Chino said she plans to use to support her classroom, including lab equipment she has previously purchased out of pocket.
Outside the classroom, Chino also leads the Paw Patrol Club, a student organization focused on raising funds and providing support for animal shelters across the Coachella Valley. The club organizes donation drives, fundraisers and community outreach, and helps care for rescued and stray animals.
Walter Clark Legal Group representatives said the award was intended to support not just Chino’s classroom, but the broader impact she has on students and the community.
Chino credited her students for the recognition, saying their hard work and passion continue to inspire her as an educator.
A teacher shaping futures, one student, one class and one surprise at a time.