 In 2005 chemistry and engineering teacher Sylvia Grace was honored with a $25,000 Milken National Educator Award.She was the only Arizona recipient of the award among the 100 educators honored nationwide.Desert Ridge's marching band is ranked among the top 5 Division III bands in the state, scoring a 69.6 at the 2009 State Marching Festival, and a 68.00 at the 2010 State Marching Festival.