Palm Springs Modern Committee (PS ModCom) has awarded scholarships to four Palm Springs Unified School District students headed to college in the fall. The quartet was honored with a special reception earlier this month at the Desert Star in South Palm Springs, a vintage complex owned by Richard and Debra Hovel, both PSModCom members.

Among those receiving a scholarship was incoming San Diego State University freshman Reece Speer.

A Palm Springs native, Speer was drawn to apply for the Palm Springs Modern Committee scholarship by the organization’s focus on educating students about the importance of design and architecture.

“I love the constant creativity shown throughout the PS ModCom program and how it brings people in our community together,” said Speer. “I am truly passionate about design and architecture. Seeing what an impact this PS ModCom and it’s programs has had on Palm Springs is truly inspiring and excites me about what my future may hold.”

Speer didn’t have to look far to focus her interests on architecture. Her father is a member of the profession, and encouraged Reece to pursue her passion.

“He has continued to provide me with opportunities to learn and grow as an artist,” added Speer. “It has allowed me to reflect on my inner self, which is the key to creating engaging work. My journey has allowed me to savor every moment spent designing my bedroom, my siblings’ bedroom, and my living room. I love the way art brings people together and enhances positive experiences.”

A competitive swimmer since she was six years old, Speer led Palm Springs High School’s girls’ water polo team to back-to-back playoff appearances.

Each student receives a $2,500 scholarship named in honor of Robert Imber, an architectural historian and founding member of PS ModCom, who initiated the organization’s college scholarship program. Students pursuing careers in architecture, engineering or design are eligible, and scholarships are potentially renewable for four years for a total of $10,000 each.

The students and their families were treated to a catered reception and honored with congratulatory salutations from PS ModCom board members and scholarship director Peter Blackburn. Each student received a fashionable tote bag filled with coffee table books and documentaries on modernism, a map of significant Palm Springs midcentury modern architecture, and a complimentary lifetime membership to PS ModCom.

“PS ModCom’s goals of preservation and appreciation of Modern architecture and design benefit most through sharing of experience and information, and to support some of the area’s brightest students helps spread understanding and encourage future Modernists to love and preserve their built surroundings as their own landmarks and heritage,” said Blackburn, a Palm Springs-based architectural designer PS ModCom board member and volunteer educator.