Sunday, December 8, 2013
A Beacon of Success for CDE
The Digital Arts Technology Academy has been working to Focus Student Creativity at Cathedral City High School for 10+ years. DATA is once again honored, through it's collective program, to be recognized as one of 15 California Partnership Lighthouse Academies by the California Department of Education through 2015.
Wednesday, November 27, 2013
Game 3 from DI Grad

Tuesday, November 26, 2013
Saturday, November 23, 2013
Friday, November 22, 2013
Shooting for 2014 National Gold
In 2010, the Digital Arts Technology Academy's SkillsUSA chapter began with 24 juniors and seniors brave enough to compete in photography and video production contest areas. Four years later, this Career Technical Student Organization (CTSO) at Cathedral City high School has grown significantly to 98 members, including four from Nellie Coffman Middle School.
Heading into the 2013-14 season, DATA-SkillsUSA is excited to see
- 134 current regional contest registrants: 75 Skill / 59 Leadership
- 23 competition areas, plus student state volunteers
- 3 years of Student2Student Mentoring at Nellie Coffman & James Workman middle schools
- 7 gold, 8 silver, and 4 bronze medals at SkillsUSA California state competitions
- The addition of Assistant Advisor, Mr. Tom Buck
- Our 2nd annual golf, bowling, and cart racing tournaments
- The DI Designs t-shirt label available at the Palm Springs Open Air Market
Check us online @
Monday, November 4, 2013
Shooting Zombies in Palm Springs
On Halloween, DI students shot the 2013 Zombie Walk Palm Springs. They spent time with working around professional and budding makeup artists as locals were transformed during the live Village Fest event.
ZWPS is sponsored by College of the Desert
and makeup artist Lynda Shaeps
Sunday, November 3, 2013
Dia de los Muertos Awarded
Congratulations to DATA sophomore, Norma Vazquez, for her photograph being awarded 2nd Place at the 1st Annual Dia De los Muertos Art Contest!
The event was held at the Desert Memorial Cemetery and included food, mariachi music, folklorico dancers, a community alter, and crafts for kids of all ages.
Read more and see event photos on MyDesert.com!
Sponsored by The Well in the Desert, Palm Springs Cemetery District, and Palm Springs Unified School District.
The event was held at the Desert Memorial Cemetery and included food, mariachi music, folklorico dancers, a community alter, and crafts for kids of all ages.
Read more and see event photos on MyDesert.com!
Sponsored by The Well in the Desert, Palm Springs Cemetery District, and Palm Springs Unified School District.
Friday, November 1, 2013
Melissa Varner: Finding a passion for photography
As the DATA program enters it's second decade, we are fortunate to have alumni return to share their experiences in photography, graphics. illustration, and video game design with current students. On October 28th, 2003 grad Melissa Varner stopped by the DI classroom to talk about her college and career path as an artist and professional photographer.
Melissa received her BA in Art w/an emphasis in photography in 2007 from the University of California, Riverside. She currently lives on the east coast and travels to parts of the U.S. shooting weddings, engagements, and life style images for various clients.
Here are some valuable tips she gave students interested in turning their passion into a career
Melissa received her BA in Art w/an emphasis in photography in 2007 from the University of California, Riverside. She currently lives on the east coast and travels to parts of the U.S. shooting weddings, engagements, and life style images for various clients.
Here are some valuable tips she gave students interested in turning their passion into a career
- Create a niche for what you want to shoot
- Learn to pose and direct people / Make them feel comfortable in front of the camera
- Take the time to truly consider wardrobes and locations of shoots
- Take advantage of social media to network and get your work out there
- Know your camera
- Prepare a professional web portfolio and always have business cards on hand
Make sure to check out her work @
Monday, September 30, 2013
2013-14 Teen Docent
Congratulations to DATA DI senior, Mayra Garcia, for being selected as a 2013-14 Teen Docent at the Palm Springs Art Museum!
Perspective students apply in Spring, are interviewed, and attend an exciting summer training where they learn art history, public speaking, tour development, and how to think on their feet in front of an audience.
During the school year, docents give tours to elementary school children to help them learn how to look at and talk about art.
Perspective students apply in Spring, are interviewed, and attend an exciting summer training where they learn art history, public speaking, tour development, and how to think on their feet in front of an audience.
During the school year, docents give tours to elementary school children to help them learn how to look at and talk about art.
Tuesday, September 3, 2013
Welcome to a New School Year!
Many great things are happening in the DATA program as we continue into our 2nd decade!
The entire document is reviewed with students the first day of school. As a means of saving paper, only the first and last pages are sent home for households to read, sign, and return.
If needed, a print copy maybe be requested.
Monday, July 1, 2013
Congratulations 2013 Seniors!
Congratulations to the 2013 graduating class of
the Digital Arts Technology Academy!
Thursday, June 6, 2013
Di Blog Makes EdTech Mag's Honor Roll
Monday, June 3, 2013
MyThology | A Global Challenge
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"The myths we share provide a common framework for understanding the world around us and help us to construct meaning." |
our fourth Student Creative global challenge is now available in print!
For this year's theme, students from around the world were invited to create artwork based on their own modern myths or a modern version of a classic. The print version of the book is a compilation of many of the students' engagement with their world through this mythological lens. All proceeds go to benefit the Jacaranda School for AIDS orphans in Malawi.
Visit
For more information
Radio Production Skills for Kansas City
On May 30th, DATA-SkillsUSA freshmen Sebastian Gomez and Alan Anguiano visited RR Broadcasting in Palm Springs in preparation for SkillsUSA nationals. The two students earned gold medals for California and will be representing CCHS and the Coachella Valley in Audio/Radio Production this June in Kansas City, MO.
During their time at the station they toured with Public Service Director Tiffany Gardner, got feedback on their own production, insight into the process of radio promotions, and sat in with on-air personality Rich "Coach" Gilgallon.
During their time at the station they toured with Public Service Director Tiffany Gardner, got feedback on their own production, insight into the process of radio promotions, and sat in with on-air personality Rich "Coach" Gilgallon.
"It was awesome to sit down with Todd and Mike to learn real-world production techniques. We learned how to maintain tone and avoiding peaking. They told us to speak normally, but exaggerated, and to fully get to know a piece before you record it. We also got tips on using effects so our audio stands out."
- Sebastian and Alan
A huge thanks to Tiffany Gardner and
for providing this opportunity for DATA students!
Tuesday, May 21, 2013
DATA-SkillsUSA Awarded in Hollywood
Congratulations to DATA juniors Jonathan Serna and Israel Chavez for earning the 2013 Best Promotional Video special category award from the California Student Media Festival! Their video, SkillsUSA: Building the Future, was originally created as part of the SkillsUSA California state Digital Cinema competition where they earned the bronze medal out of 16 participating teams.
Student award winners will be honored on June 15th at the
TCL Chinese Theater in Hollywood
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DATA Earns $29k in Scholarships!
Congratulations to the following 2013 DATA seniors for earning over $29,000 in college scholarships!
Paul Acevedo - $7975
- La Quinta Arts Foundation - $2500
- Pathways to Success - $5000
- Diane Mason Memorial - $475
Linda Ha - $7600
- CV Alumnae Panhellenic Scholarship - $2300
- Elks National Foundation - $300
- Women’s Leaders Forum in partnership with Pathways to Success - $5000
Jessica Gallardo - $5000
- Georgia Fogelson College Scholarship from the Palm Springs Art Museum
Courtney Stump - $5000
- Pathways to Success - $5000
Fabiola Paredes Perez - $1000
- National League of Pen Women- $1000
Kaylin Murphy - $1000
- National League of Pen Women - $1000
Javier Correa - $1000
- Fashion Group - $500
- Palm Springs Modern Committee - $500
Karolina Ruiz - $500
- Fashion Group - $500
A huge thank you to DATA Counselor and Coordinator, Deborah Applebaum, for her energy in making this happen!
Friday, May 10, 2013
Designing EdCamp Palm Springs
Di junior, Sebastian Vasquez, recently designed the all new EdCamp Palm Springs logo for local technology specialists from PSUSD.
The design was modeled after the original logo created by Lorenzo Ibarra who is a graduate of Camden County Technical Schools. The EdCamp Foundation encourages the redesign of the original logo to emphasize the local flavor of where the various events are held and boosts a great collection here!.
The design was modeled after the original logo created by Lorenzo Ibarra who is a graduate of Camden County Technical Schools. The EdCamp Foundation encourages the redesign of the original logo to emphasize the local flavor of where the various events are held and boosts a great collection here!.
EdCamp is a user-generated "unconference", designed to provide participant-driven professional development for K-12 educators around the world.
Thursday, May 9, 2013
Saturday, May 4, 2013
Intel Visionary - Washington, D.C.
Monday, April 29, 2013
An Apple Distinguished Program

Cathedral City, CA - April, 26, 2013
The Digital Arts Technology Academy’s Digital Imaging program is pleased to announce that it has been named an Apple Distinguished Program for 2012-2013 school year.
The Apple Distinguished Program designation is reserved for programs that meet criteria for innovation, leadership, educational excellence, and demonstrate Apple’s vision of exemplary learning environments.
The selection of DATA Di as an Apple Distinguished Program highlights its successes in enhancing and extending teaching and learning with thoughtful and innovative implementations of technology. Lead by Matt Cauthron, an Apple Distinguished Educator, this program “Focuses Student Creativity” by connecting a variety of digital arts technologies with local and global community collaborations. Students produce high quality professional work in photography, animation, graphic design, video, and digital books that connect student passions with real-world professional opportunities.
You can learn more about the strength of this amazing program, see its successes, or download their free iBooks at www.DATA-Di.us.
The Digital Arts Technology Academy at Cathedral City High School prepares students for college and career, while developing their passion for one or more digital arts areas. Students in the Academy graduate at a higher rate, are provided access to a range of technologies, interact with a variety of design, arts, and media professionals, and have attended nearly 40 different colleges and universities. Alumni have gone on to start their own businesses, become game designers, photographers, illustrators, artists, educators, medical practitioners, and work in the media.
Friday, April 19, 2013
Earning California Gold at SkillsUSA
53 students and four DATA teachers had an amazing experience at the 46th Annual State Leadership Conference and SkillsUSA Championships, April 4th-7th, at the Town and Country Resort down in San Diego.
6 students will be representing Cathedral City and the State of California in Screen Printing Technology, Audio/Radio Production, and Promotional Bulletin Board. DATA also earned gold in Graphic Communications and had four students who donated their time as Courtesy Core volunteers.
Congratulations to the follow students!
Screen Printing Technology
Gold - Paul Acevedo
Gold - Paul Acevedo
After 5 years in the States!
Audio / Radio Production (Team)
Gold - Sebastian Gomez and Alan Anguiano
Gold - Sebastian Gomez and Alan Anguiano
1st Place as freshmen
Graphic Communications
Gold - Sebastian Vasquez
Returned as a junior to take 1st!
Gold - Sebastian Vasquez
Returned as a junior to take 1st!
Promotional Bulletin Board (Team)
Gold - Crystal Zacarias, Mariah Wells, Tammy Melendez
Simple designs make a difference!
Gold - Crystal Zacarias, Mariah Wells, Tammy Melendez
Simple designs make a difference!
Career Pathway Showcase - Art, Technology, Communications (Team)
Silver - Jessica Gallardo, Melissa Munoz, Jazmin Simon
Silver - Jessica Gallardo, Melissa Munoz, Jazmin Simon
They were completely surrounded by the enemy
Chapter Display (Team)
Silver - Kaylin Murphy, Melissa Munoz, Jazmin Simon
PDP test broke the tie
PDP test broke the tie
Creed
Silver - Antonio Arce
Our bravest freshman yet!
Our bravest freshman yet!
Broadcast News Production (Team)
Silver - Kaylin Murphy, Sara Lopez, Taylor Burns, Linda Ha
Missed Gold by .4%!
Digital Cinema Production (Team)
Bronze - Jonathan Serna, Isreal Chavez
Waited 12 hours after finishing to see the judges
Waited 12 hours after finishing to see the judges
Prepared Speech
Bronze - Moises Murillo
Courtesy Core Volunteers
Jeanette Segoviano, Geraldine Morataya, Kenia Meza, and Maria Gonzalez
SkillsUSA CA wouldn't have gone on w/out ya!
SkillsUSA CA wouldn't have gone on w/out ya!
Wednesday, April 17, 2013
Hot Purple Festival Photography

Di has been working with festival producer Diane Funk for three consecutive years now shooting the event with student images being used online and in print. This year we notched it up a level by staging a full green screen studio completely run on energy harnessed from the sun! Festival goers were shot on-sight by a team of 12 students over the 3-day event, then Photoshopped into this year's festival print, Trail to the Pyramids, by artists Linda and Dusty Kinman.
"It was amazing to know that our computers and studio lights were seamlessly being powered by the sun. It was also great to work as a team with such an enthusiastic company like HPE who truly believe in doing exciting things in our community."
-Manuel Gomez
Di Junior and Photo Project Manager
OR
Monday, April 8, 2013
Inspiration(al) Creativity
Congratulations to Di junior Jarelle Balanzat for winning the 2013 Joe and Pamela Bonino Award for Photographic Creativity from the Palm Springs Art Museum. The annual Fine Arts Creativity Awards and Scholarships was held on Match 16, 2013 at the Museum's Annenberg Theater. This is the 2nd time that DATA Digital Imaging has won this prestigious award in recent years.
Le Parkour
Digital Image
"My name is Jarelle Balanzat, I am a Junior at Cathedral City High School and am part of the Digital Arts Technology Academy. I find it convenient that a digital image can fabricate a new reality and provide an entrirely new level of inspiration from single elements captured in various moments of time.
I built this false reality of image and scanned pencil as an homage to a friend who struggles to go beyond. He is one who enjoys exploring his environment through Parkour, the art of displacement, in hopes of climbing above normality to obtain his dreams. It it is this, too, that I find to be an inspiration."
Le Parkour
Digital Image
"My name is Jarelle Balanzat, I am a Junior at Cathedral City High School and am part of the Digital Arts Technology Academy. I find it convenient that a digital image can fabricate a new reality and provide an entrirely new level of inspiration from single elements captured in various moments of time.
Monday, April 1, 2013
Friday, March 29, 2013
Continuing On CUE with Apple
In addition to the 5+ years that Di students have helped to support Cahuilla CUE and the Apple Education rooms at the annual CUE conference, several joined Mr. Cauthron to present our 3rd local arts and literacy collaboration between Rio Vista Elementary and James Workman Middle schools.
Students with several years of experience spoke about their various roles to a full room of California technology specialists and presented last year's fully interactive iBook using iPad 3 and Apple TV.
Students with several years of experience spoke about their various roles to a full room of California technology specialists and presented last year's fully interactive iBook using iPad 3 and Apple TV.
"Not enough students have an idea that what we do in DATA means something to people in other places. It is great sharing our work with teachers from California and beyond."
-Sara Lopez, DATA Junior and iBooks Authorista
Friday, March 22, 2013
Wednesday, February 27, 2013
Wednesday, February 6, 2013
2013 Scholastic Awards
Gold Keys

Emilia Jimenez,
Winter in New York
Digital Photograph

Nancy Zavala,
Dia de Los Muertos
Digital Illustration
Silver Keys
Branden Joven (3d Rendering)
Branden Joven (3d Rendering)
Denisse Gonzalez (Photography)
Geraldine Morataya (Photography)
Leslie Rocha (Photography)
Manuel Gomez (Photography)
Honorable Mentions
Cristian Herrera, Emilia Jimenez, Maggie Arechiga, and Nancy Zavala for photography
Jacquelyn Isais & Angie Ochoa for animation
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