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Indio High honors Principal Derek Lawson in surprise at final commencement
Summary
Students and staff presented Principal Derek Lawson with an onstage tribute during his final commencement as principal. Lawson delivered a farewell address highlighting student achievements and school culture.
Indio High School students and staff surprised Principal Derek Lawson during the Class of 2025 commencement, marking Lawson’s final graduation ceremony as principal.
Board member Linda Porras introduced the night as especially meaningful for Lawson, noting that this was “his final night as principal of Indio High School.” During the program students rose and chanted “We love you, Lawson” and presented the principal with a keepsake in recognition of his decades of service.
Lawson addressed the graduates in a longer speech, reflecting on memories and school traditions. He thanked staff and the community for nine years of close cooperation with the city and local agencies, and he praised students for their character and accomplishments. “I am proud of your dedication to academic success and your commitment to Raja positivity, respect, integrity, determination, and excellence,” Lawson said.
Lawson singled out moments from the school year and named several students as examples of the school’s core values. He also recounted a widely applauded moment from a seniors-versus-staff basketball game in which the crowd cheered louder for a student named Isaac Martinez Silva than for any star athlete — a moment Lawson said exemplified the school’s culture of inclusion.
The tribute and Lawson’s remarks were framed as part celebration and part farewell. The program closed with musical performances and diploma presentations, and staff and students asked guests to remain for a post-ceremony fireworks display.
