Somos Sunnyside

Somos Sunnyside: Episode 36 featuring Eric Estrada-Grijalva, Christina Tellez, & Stephanie Arnold

In this episode of the Somos Sunnyside, we’re celebrating School Counselor Appreciation Week by shining a spotlight on the incredible work of our high school counselors! Join us as we sit down with Eric Estrada-Grijalva, Christina Tellez, and Stephanie Arnold, three dedicated counselors who share their passion for guiding students toward academic success.
From college applications to mental health support and helping students find the best course options, high school counseling is a dynamic and ever-changing role. These amazing individuals work tirelessly to ensure every student has the resources and support they need to thrive.
Tune in to hear their inspiring stories and gain insight into the vital role counselors play in shaping our students' futures.

Somos Sunnyside: Episode 35 featuring Daniel Gastelum

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Daniel Gastelum, Coordinator for Sunnyside Unified School District’s Native American Education Program (NAEP). Daniel shares his journey of cultural pride and his dedication to uplifting his community through education and service. He reflects on the deep-rooted traditions of his heritage and how they fuel his passion for empowering Native American students to succeed academically while preserving their cultural identity.
Daniel discusses the mission of NAEP, which serves over 900 Native American students representing tribes including the Tohono O’odham, Apache, Navajo, Pascua Yaqui, and more. From fostering a sense of belonging to providing culturally appropriate resources, Daniel sheds light on the program’s commitment to honoring the unique identities of each student.
As a leader in education, Daniel’s vision extends beyond the classroom. He emphasizes the importance of community collaboration, mentorship, and instilling pride in one’s roots. His story is a powerful reminder of the impact that cultural preservation and education can have on shaping a generation of confident, successful individuals ready to give back to their communities.
Tune in to hear how Daniel Gastelum’s work with the Native American Education Program is creating meaningful change while celebrating the rich tapestry of cultures within Sunnyside Unified School District.

Somos Sunnyside: Episode 34 featuring Casey O'Brien

In this inspiring episode of the Somos Sunnyside podcast, Mr. Gastelum sits down with Casey O’Brien, the dynamic Athletic Director and Boys Soccer Coach at Sunnyside High School. Casey shares insights into the school’s remarkable sports programs, highlighting the dedication of student-athletes who excel both in the classroom and on the field.
The conversation delves into the incredible momentum Sunnyside has built as a sports powerhouse, with students putting in the hard work to achieve their dreams, including moving on to the collegiate level. Casey and Mr. Gastelum discuss the pivotal role coaches play in fostering not just athletic excellence but also academic success, ensuring students are well-rounded and prepared for the future.
Tune in to hear about the culture of motivation, commitment, and community that makes Sunnyside’s athletic programs a source of pride for everyone involved. This episode celebrates the hard work of students, the support of coaches, and the legacy of success being built at Sunnyside High School.

Somos Sunnyside: Episode 33 featuring Evelyn Jaramillo

In this episode of Somos Sunnyside, we are joined by Evelyn Jaramillo, a dedicated School Psychologist and Autism Coordinator for the Sunnyside Unified School District. Evelyn shares her passion for supporting students and families, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and collaboration in creating a positive impact.
Recently honored as one of the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's 40 Under 40, Evelyn reflects on her achievements with gratitude. She credits her success to the hard work and support of her coworkers, as well as her family, who instilled in her a love for learning and the value of doing well in school.
Tune in to hear Evelyn’s inspiring journey, her commitment to education, and her mission to make a difference in the Sunnyside community.

Somos Sunnyside: Episode 32 featuring Crystal Picazo

In this inspiring episode of Somos Sunnyside, we sit down with Crystal Picazo, the Academic Behavioral Support Specialist (ABSS) at Gallego Primary, to explore her remarkable journey in education and leadership. With 11 years of dedicated service to the Sunnyside School District, Mrs. Picazo brings a unique perspective shaped by her experiences as a former Army soldier and an innovative educator.
We discuss how Mrs. Picazo transitioned from military service to teaching in 2013, where she quickly made an impact by teaching first through ninth grades before stepping into her current role. Her dedication to fostering critical thinking, collaboration, and problem-solving skills in students is evident in her innovative approach to education. She shares her philosophy of encouraging productive struggle, helping students build confidence, and creating a safe, inclusive learning environment.
We also celebrate Mrs. Picazo’s recent recognition as the recipient of the 2024 AZALAS Aspiring Leaders Award, a testament to her passion and unwavering commitment to student success. Tune in to hear her story, her insights on empowering students, and her vision for preparing the next generation of lifelong learners.
Don’t miss this heartfelt conversation with one of Sunnyside’s most dedicated leaders!

Somos Sunnyside: Episode 31 featuring Sergio Vega

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Sergio Vega, Sunnyside High School's wrestling phenom, who has recently signed with Oklahoma State University to wrestle for the Cowboys. With a 4.0 GPA and the title of the top wrestler in the U.S. for his weight class (138 pounds), Sergio shares the philosophy that has driven his success is having fun and letting his passion shine through on the wrestling mat. 
Sergio reflects on his journey, shaped by perseverance, setbacks, and the unwavering support of his family and coaches. His goals for the future are high and he knows the coaching staff at Oklahoma State University will help bring him to the next level. 
Tune in to hear how Sergio Vega balances academics and athletics, what motivates him to push past limits, and his advice for anyone chasing big dreams. His story is a testament to hard work, gratitude, and the importance of enjoying the ride.

Somos Sunnyside: Episode 30 featuring Mike & Lorena Arias

In this heartfelt episode of the Somos Sunnyside podcast, we are honored to have Mike and Lorena Arias, founders of the Victoria Teresa Arias Memorial Foundation, share their daughter Victoria’s beautiful legacy. Victoria was born on December 1, 1998, in Tucson, AZ, to Michael and Lorena Arias and has one older sister, Desiree. She went to be with the Heavenly Father on July 12, 2017, at just 18 years old.
Victoria was a compassionate, loving, and hardworking young woman who earned a full-ride scholarship to Saint Mary’s University in Winona, Minnesota, with dreams of becoming a trauma surgeon. Her love for education began at Elvira Elementary, where she also discovered her passion for sports. Victoria had a deep faith, becoming an altar server at St. Monica Parish at a young age, a role she cherished.
Throughout her life, she was dedicated to learning and service. She attended Challenger Middle School, where her love for volleyball ignited. In high school, she had the honor of traveling to Ciudad Juárez, Mexico, to see the Pope with the El Otro Lado group, a memory that stood out as one of her greatest honors. Victoria graduated from San Miguel High School with honors in 2017 and was involved in various activities such as volleyball, theater, yearbook, National Honor Society, and mariachi.
To honor her legacy, the Victoria Teresa Arias Memorial Foundation has helped 24 "Tori Scholars" pursue their dreams with scholarships. This year, the foundation is offering four $40,000 scholarships, including one guaranteed for a Sunnyside District student. The Victoria Teresa Arias Memorial Foundation's mission is to empower youth to excel academically, grow personally, and give back to their communities. Scholars selected for the Victoria Teresa Arias Memorial Foundation Scholarship will be encouraged to continue Victoria’s legacy by volunteering to inspire future Tori Scholars.
Important Dates:📅 Application Deadline: March 2, 2025📅 Notification Date: March 24, 2025
 
APPLY HERE: https://shorturl.at/PeruC
Apply today and be part of something special, carrying Victoria's light forward.

Somos Sunnyside: Episode 29 featuring Rafael Meza

In this episode of Somos Sunnyside, we are joined by Rafael Meza, Senior Director of Enrollment Management and Assistant Dean of Undergraduate Admissions at the University of Arizona. Rafael discusses the valuable partnership between Sunnyside Unified School District and the University of Arizona, focusing on how this collaboration helps prepare students for success in higher education.
The conversation covers various aspects of the district's efforts to ensure students understand that they can receive a high-quality education right here in Tucson and feel confident in pursuing their academic goals. The conversation emphasizes the importance of supporting students from Sunnyside in their journey toward graduation, ensuring they feel prepared and empowered to succeed at the University of Arizona. The episode also celebrates the achievements of Sunnyside and Desert View High School seniors who have recently been admitted to the university, marking an exciting step in their educational paths.

Somos Sunnyside: Episode 28 featuring Marisela Felix, Sgt. David Hill, & Ryan Powell

In this episode of the Somos Sunnyside, we tackle an important topic: school safety. We welcome Director of Security Ryan Powell, Director of Public Information Marisela Felix, and Sgt. David Hill from the Tucson Police Department to the show to discuss the importance of school safety. They provided valuable insights into how we prioritize the safety of our students above all else. Recently, there has been a surge in false social media messages spreading hoaxes about school threats. Our guests shared what's being done by local law enforcement and what our own security team has in place to keep our campuses secure, and they emphasized the importance of keeping open lines of communication with parents and students.
The key message from this episode is the importance of the "see something, say something" approach. Instead of spreading false information, it's essential to report any concerns to the proper authorities. By working together, we can ensure that the Sunnyside community remains a safe and supportive environment for everyone.

Somos Sunnyside: Episode 27 featuring Liz Soltero & Jennifer Overpeck

In this exciting episode of Somos Sunnyside, we're honored to welcome Elizabeth Soltero, CEO of the Sunnyside Foundation, and Jennifer Overpeck, a dedicated Sunnyside Foundation Board Member. Together, they share all the details about Sunnyside Gives Week and its impact on our community!
We kicked off this incredible week of giving with the Burrito Run and Health & Wellness Fair at Mission Manor Park on Sunday.
Coming up this Thursday, the Sunnyside Foundation is hosting a vibrant block party at American Eat Co. to celebrate their mission of raising $125,000! These vital funds will go directly toward empowering south side students, families, and educators.
Tune in to hear Elizabeth and Jennifer talk about their passion for this community, their experiences serving the Sunnyside Foundation, and what this week of giving means to them.
If you’d like to contribute to this inspiring cause, you can donate here: https://givesweek2024.funraise.org/