NBC Palm Springs Connects with Eagle Mountain Students in Desert Center

The remote K-8 campus serves local students with personalized attention and career exploration opportunities.

Apr. 1, 2026 at 12:48am

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NBC Palm Springs recently visited Eagle Mountain School, the only school in the Desert Center Unified School District, where fewer than 30 students are enrolled. Led by Superintendent Dr. Greg Sackos, the school is committed to providing personalized attention and resources to its students, including a recent visit from NBC Palm Springs journalists who spoke with students about careers in journalism.

Why it matters

Eagle Mountain School's remote location in the Desert Center area highlights the importance of small, community-focused schools in providing stability, education, and a strong sense of community for local families. The school's unique setting and close-knit environment will soon be featured in an upcoming NBC Palm Springs special report.

The details

During the visit, NBC Palm Springs anchor Olivia Sandusky, videographer Heath Cunningham, and producer Daniela Mateus Palma engaged students, including members of the student council, in a conversation about storytelling, broadcasting, and the wide range of opportunities within the field of journalism. The visit allowed students to learn more about careers in media and the work involved in producing news stories.

  • The visit from NBC Palm Springs took place recently.
  • The upcoming NBC Palm Springs special report featuring Eagle Mountain School and the nearby abandoned Eagle Mountain mining town is expected to air in the near future.

The players

Dr. Greg Sackos

The superintendent of the Desert Center Unified School District, which oversees the Eagle Mountain School.

Olivia Sandusky

A news anchor and long-form reporter for NBC Palm Springs.

Heath Cunningham

A videographer for NBC Palm Springs.

Daniela Mateus Palma

A producer for NBC Palm Springs.

Eagle Mountain School

The only school in the Desert Center Unified School District, serving fewer than 30 students in a remote, close-knit environment.

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What’s next

The upcoming NBC Palm Springs special report featuring Eagle Mountain School and the nearby abandoned Eagle Mountain mining town is expected to air in the near future.

The takeaway

Eagle Mountain School's remote location and small student population highlight the importance of community-focused schools in providing personalized attention and resources to local students, even in isolated areas. The upcoming NBC Palm Springs special report will showcase the school's unique setting and its impact on the Desert Center community.