Somos Sunnyside

On this inspiring episode of Somos Sunnyside, we sit down with two outstanding seniors from Desert View High School, Anysa Medrano and Josue Bajo Quijada, to discuss their incredible academic journeys and life-changing scholarship opportunities. Anysa shares what it means to be selected as a prestigious Gates Millennium Scholar, one of only 750 students nationwide chosen from more than 61,000 applicants, while also earning acceptance to Princeton University. Josue reflects on being named a Dorrance Scholarship recipient, earning more than $100,000 in scholarship support along with opportunities for study abroad, leadership development, and innovation programs.
Throughout the conversation, both students open up about their similar upbringings, being raised by their mothers with the support of their grandparents, and how those experiences shaped their motivation to succeed academically. They share how, from a young age, they were determined to pursue higher education in a way that would ease the financial burden on their families while creating new opportunities for their futures. Their stories are powerful examples of perseverance, resilience, gratitude, and what it truly means to be college, career, and community ready. 

In this episode of Somos Sunnyside, we sit down with three outstanding seniors from Sunnyside High School as they reflect on their educational journeys, future aspirations, and the community that helped shape their success.
Pamela Romero shares her excitement about attending Kenyon College to pursue her passion for neuroscience. As a recipient of the Victoria Teresa Arias Memorial Scholarship, Pamela discusses the importance of perseverance, academic dedication, and the support system that encouraged her to dream big.
Abigail Hernandez talks about earning the prestigious Stamps Scholarship at the W.A. Franke Honors College and her plans to attend the University of Arizona to pursue a career in medicine. She reflects on how her family, mentors, and involvement in school activities motivated her to maintain strong grades and prepare for her future as a doctor.
Edward Machado shares his journey toward studying mechanical engineering at the University of Arizona and how being involved in Sunnyside programs helped him grow both academically and personally.
Throughout the episode, all three students highlight the impact of TRIO programs, family encouragement, and the strong sense of community within Sunnyside. From academics to extracurricular involvement, they discuss how Sunnyside Unified has provided opportunities, guidance, and unwavering support throughout the years as they prepare to take the next step toward their futures.

In this episode of Somos Sunnyside, we sit down with three outstanding seniors from Desert View High School as they prepare for their next chapter after graduation. Dante Escobar and Daniel Amaya share their excitement about pursuing Sports Journalism at Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University, while Jasmine Reyna reflects on earning a full ride softball scholarship to Eastern Arizona College.
Throughout the conversation, the students discuss how the rigorous academic opportunities offered through the Sunnyside Unified School District, especially dual enrollment courses, helped prepare them for college-level expectations and taught them valuable time management and accountability skills. They also highlight the importance of strong support systems, crediting their families, teachers, coaches, and friends for motivating them to pursue ambitious goals.
A common theme throughout the episode is how quickly high school passes by and the importance of staying focused academically from the very beginning. The seniors encourage younger students to take advantage of every opportunity, stay involved, and remember that grades truly matter when planning for the future.

In this inspiring episode of Somos Sunnyside, we sit down with three incredible educators who have come full circle,once students in Sunnyside District, now shaping the future of the very classrooms that inspired them.
We hear from Ximena Mata Ruiz, a teacher at Liberty Elementary School, Yaritza Grijalva, a childcare worker at Ocotillo Learning Center, and Melanye Macias, a paraprofessional at Gallego Intermediate. All proud graduates of Desert View High School, these remarkable women were part of the Education Professions Program under the guidance of Ms. Skeggs, a program that sparked their passion for working with students and opened the door to meaningful careers in education.
Throughout the conversation, they reflect on how their time in the program ignited their curiosity and gave them hands-on experiences that built both confidence and purpose. Now back in Sunnyside as professionals, they share how it feels to return to a district that once supported them as students and continues to uplift them as educators.
From heartfelt stories about their journeys to powerful insights on mentorship, growth, and giving back, this episode highlights the lasting impact of investing in students and creating pathways into careers. Their stories are a testament to the strength of Sunnyside’s community and the power of believing in the next generation.
 

In this exciting episode of the Somos Sunnyside Podcast, we welcome special guests Coach Justin Delgado, Esabella Barajas, Dora Medina, and Taylor Rainwater as they reflect on an unforgettable 2025–2026 season.
The team takes us through an amazing season, filled with resilience, growth, and big-time moments. With an impressive 26–4 overall record, back-to-back championships at the Inferno Invitational and FW Holiday Shootout, and top rankings across the state and Southern Arizona, this group proved they are among the elite. The players reflect on the chemistry, discipline, and trust that powered their success all season long.
A special part of the conversation highlights the impact the team has on one another, whose leadership and legacy have left a lasting mark on the program. The teammates share an appreciation for the culture they helped build and the example they set both on and off the court.
The episode also shines a light on the incredible support system behind the team, from families and school staff to students and the broader community. That energy helped carry the team through every high and low.
As the program looks ahead, Coach Delgado and the players talk about resetting, recharging, and preparing for a new challenge with an incoming region next season. One thing is clear, the standard has been set, and Sunnyside girls basketball is ready to compete.
Together, they remind us what it means to represent Sunnyside with pride! 

In this episode of the Somos Sunnyside Podcast, we step onto the mat with Sunnyside High School wrestling head coach Anthony Leon and freshman state champion Jack Thrush to talk about what it takes to build champions.
Coach Leon and Jack share the excitement behind securing another team state championship and Jack’s incredible run to an individual state title. From early mornings to relentless training, they dive into the discipline, mindset, and culture that continue to define Sunnyside wrestling.
The conversation also highlights the program’s proud legacy, reflecting on standout alumni like Sergio Vega and Audrey Jimenez, who have gone on to achieve national success and inspire the next generation of Blue Devils.
Looking ahead, the future is even brighter. Thanks to the support of voters and the passage of a bond, Sunnyside wrestling is set to receive a complete transformation of its wrestling room, one that Coach Leon says will become the best in Arizona, raising the bar not just for high school programs, but even rivaling university facilities.
It’s a powerful episode about tradition, grit, community support, and the championship standard that continues to define Sunnyside wrestling.

In this episode of the Somos Sunnyside Podcast, we sit down with the incredible leadership team from Elvira Elementary School: Principal Kelley Brooks-Cavaletto, ABSS Antonia Morado Romer, and Teacher Coach Amanda Morris. Together, they share how a strong culture of collaboration among staff, students, and families drives student success, emphasizing that every role on campus plays a vital part.
Their data-driven approach and shared commitment have led to outstanding achievements, including the highest attendance rate in the district at over 91%, recognition as a National Bright Spot School by The 74, and being ranked one of the best schools in Arizona for the second consecutive year by U.S. News & World Report. From earning an A rating by the state to offering Southern Arizona’s only handbells program, Elvira Elementary continues to set the standard for excellence.
Beyond the accolades, the team shares what truly makes Elvira special—the unwavering support they feel from the district and one another. Each leader reflects on how being part of Sunnyside has shaped their professional journey, creating an environment where educators are empowered, valued, and inspired to grow. Their passion, unity, and belief in their students shine through, making it clear why Elvira continues to thrive.

In this episode of Somos Sunnyside, we step behind the curtain at Desert View High School to spotlight the incredible Drama and Stagecraft program where creativity, collaboration, and technical skill bring performances to life.
Instructor Dustin Bielich and student Rexx Gallardo share how Technical Theater is truly where the action happens. From building detailed sets and designing costumes to managing lighting, sound, stage direction, and makeup, students gain hands-on experience in every aspect of production. The program gives students the opportunity to be part of after-school performing arts productions, contributing to major events like the fall play and spring musical.
Listeners will hear what it really takes to put on a full-scale production from the teamwork, problem-solving, and dedication behind the scenes that audiences may never see. Most importantly, Bielich and Gallardo emphasize that there is a place for everyone in Stagecraft. Whether students want to be on stage or behind it, the program offers meaningful opportunities to develop skills, build confidence, and be part of something bigger than themselves.
Tune in to discover how Desert View’s Drama and Stagecraft students are turning passion into performance and making magic happen backstage.

In this powerful episode of Somos Sunnyside, we step inside Sunnyside’s Law and Public Safety program with teachers Steve Armenta and Katelyn Federico, J.D., alongside students Natalie Felix and Irene Villa. This dynamic Career & Technical Education pathway prepares students for advanced training, higher education, and immediate employment in the law and public safety field.
Students gain hands-on experience developing forensic investigative techniques, including crime scene processing and fingerprint analysis. They also explore civil and criminal procedures through a simulated courtroom environment, giving them real-world insight into how the justice system operates. Beyond policing, students examine the vital roles of corrections, rehabilitation, and probation—developing a comprehensive understanding of public safety careers.
Through strong partnerships with professionals across multiple sectors of the law and public safety field, students regularly engage with guest speakers from local agencies and related industries who provide real-world insight, mentorship, and career guidance. In addition, this program prepares students to earn industry-recognized certifications, including the opportunity to graduate with their Guard Card through the Arizona Department of Public Safety, giving them a competitive advantage as they enter the workforce or continue their education.
Students also have the opportunity to enroll in dual enrollment criminology courses through Pima Community College, earning college credit while still in high school.
Natalie and Irene share their aspirations of pursuing careers in law—one with a focus on Crime Scene Investigation (CSI), and the other aiming to become a police officer and eventually a U.S. Marshal. Their stories highlight how Sunnyside is building confident, career-ready leaders in public service.
🎧 Tune in to hear how Sunnyside is shaping the next generation of justice professionals.

In this episode of Somos Sunnyside, we spotlight the Sports Medicine Program at Sunnyside High School, a hands-on pathway preparing students for careers in athletic training, healthcare, and sports science. We sat down with student Destiny Inzunza and instructor Johanna Lerma to learn how this program puts learning into action in and out of the classroom.
The Sports Medicine program offers students real-world experience in a dynamic, clinical environment. As students progress into their second year, they gain the opportunity to observe the diagnosis and treatment of sports-related injuries firsthand, working closely as assistants to their school’s athletic trainer. From injury prevention and rehabilitation to taping and wrapping athletes for competition, students play a vital role in supporting Sunnyside’s student-athletes.
Destiny Inzunza has been part of the program for three years and has already had the opportunity to treat student-athletes alongside the athletic trainer. She shared how the program has deepened her passion for sports medicine and helped her build confidence, technical skills, and a strong foundation for her future career. Under the guidance of Johanna Lerma, students are not only learning the science behind sports medicine but they’re developing professionalism, teamwork, and a commitment to athlete care.
This episode highlights how Sunnyside High School’s Sports Medicine Program is empowering students through experiential learning, mentorship, and meaningful responsibility and proving once again that at Sunnyside, learning goes beyond the classroom.