Somos Sunnyside

We’re kicking off Career and Technical Education (CTE) Month by spotlighting an exceptional program at Desert View High School, the Precision Manufacturing Program. In this episode, we sit down with instructor Cesar Gutierrez and five outstanding students, Johnny Felix, Alex Bustillos, Jorge Quijada, Bernadette Pinedo, and Miana Urquidez, who are redefining what’s possible in high school.
These students are part of Desert View’s first-ever cohort committed to earning an Associate’s degree alongside their high school diploma, graduating this May with both in hand. Throughout the conversation, they share how the Precision Manufacturing program has opened doors through industry-recognized certifications, hands-on learning, and real-world experiences that extend far beyond the classroom.
One of the most powerful moments of the episode comes as students reflect on their international service-learning experience in Lima, Peru, where they helped fit amputees with prosthetic legs, an opportunity that blended technical skill, compassion, and global impact.
With the support of Southern Arizona Manufacturing Partners, Desert View’s iSTEM Academy, and Pima Community College, students in the Precision Manufacturing program earn paid internships, college credit, and nationally recognized credentials. As a NIMS Nationally Accredited and Pima JTED program, Desert View’s Precision Manufacturing pathway has been recognized at both the state and national level for excellence, preparing students to enter the workforce immediately or continue their education with a strong foundation for success.
This episode is a powerful reminder of how CTE programs change lives, create opportunity, and prepare students for meaningful careers and futures without limits.

In this episode of Somos Sunnyside, we welcome special guest Jamal K. Givens, CEO of the Liberty Partnership Kino Neighborhoods Council (LPKNC), an important community partner to the Sunnyside Unified School District. Jamal shares how LPKNC provides critical education and prevention programming for students and families, with a strong focus on preventing the use and misuse of alcohol, marijuana, and prescription drugs, while also promoting mental wellness, suicide prevention, and the avoidance of juvenile delinquency. Through quality programming, youth-adult partnerships, and community mobilization, LPKNC empowers young people and families to build healthier, drug-free communities.
Deeply rooted in Tucson’s southside, LPKNC was formed when two long-standing coalitions, Liberty Partnership and Kino Neighborhoods, came together during the 2011–2012 school year to strengthen their shared mission. In 2018, under Jamal Givens’ leadership, LPKNC became its own nonprofit organization, continuing its commitment to uniting residents, organizations, and agencies around community voice and collective action. Tune in to hear how this impactful organization is fostering hope, resilience, and opportunity for Sunnyside students, families, and neighborhoods.

In this episode of Somos Sunnyside, we welcome special guests Bobby Rodriguez and Jose Felix, proud Sunnyside High School graduates who have support and grow athletes through Jet Sports Training. Since launching the full-service training facility in 2012, Bobby and Jose have supported and grown Jet Sports Training into a nationally recognized gym focused on athletic performance, personal training, and building both physical and mental strength for athletes and individuals of all fitness levels.
The conversation highlights their journey from Sunnyside students to community leaders, how they discovered their passion for sports conditioning, and what inspired them to team up to create a gym rooted in family, inclusion, and community impact.
Tune in to hear about their work with Sunnyside District student-athletes, their commitment to helping young people reach their full potential, and how Jet Sports Training continues to give back to our Sunnyside community.

In this inspiring episode of Somos Sunnyside, Superintendent Gastelum sits down with Desert View High School’s varsity football team after one of the most remarkable seasons in school history. The Jaguars finished the 2025 campaign with an 11–1 record, clinched the 5A Southern region title for the first time since 1987, and extended a deep playoff run into the quarterfinals, marking their best season in school history.
Joining the conversation are Head Coach Robert Bonillas and standout players: freshman Anthony Rodarte, sophomore Jaylee Abraham, and senior Ryan Vasavilbaso. Together they reflect on a season defined by resilience, teamwork, and explosive performances on both sides of the ball. The Jaguars dominated much of their schedule, winning games by large margins, setting a school scoring record in a 70–35 victory over Cienega, and showcasing a dynamic offense led by Vasavilbaso’s precision passing and Abraham’s powerhouse rushing.
Throughout the episode, Coach Bonillas talks about the culture shift that propelled the team from a 3–7 record the previous year to an undefeated regular season. The players share personal journeys from offseason work to in-season growth, how their tight bond contributed to success, and how community support lifted them every step of the way.
They also discuss future goals: what colleges have shown interest, the leadership growth among underclassmen, and their collective drive to return to the playoffs next year and chase a state championship banner. Senior quarterback Vasavilbaso reflects on finishing his high school career strong, while Abraham and Rodarte talk about building on this year’s momentum.
Tune in for heartfelt reflections, big-play highlights, and a look at what’s next for one of Tucson’s most exciting football programs.

In this very special episode of Somos Sunnyside, we welcome one of the most influential and beloved educators in Sunnyside Unified School District history, Mr. Jim Heintz. For 39 years, from 1973 to 2009, Mr. Heintz dedicated his career to teaching and inspiring thousands of students. Ask anyone who sat in his classroom, and you’ll hear the same thing: “He was one of my favorite teachers.”
His consistent, kind, and thoughtful approach to teaching left a lasting impact on generations of Sunnyside students, including three of the voices on today’s episode. Joining Superintendent Gastelum for this heartfelt conversation are Marisela Felix, Executive Director of Communications, and Katrina Armijo, Assistant Director of Communications, all proud former students of Mr. Heintz.
Together, they take a nostalgic walk down memory lane, revisiting what it was like to sit in Mr. Heintz’s English class and sharing the moments that shaped them as learners and leaders. Mr. Heintz also gives us an update on life in retirement and reflects on the joy and purpose he found in nearly four decades of teaching.
Tune in for stories, laughter, and heartfelt gratitude as we honor a true Sunnyside legend.

In this episode, we sit down with Steve Nunez, the heart and driving force behind Miracle en el Barrio, a cherished annual tradition that brings holiday joy to families across our district. Steve shares the story behind the event’s beginnings, its mission, and the inspiration that keeps him organizing it year after year.
Miracle en el Barrio provides local families with a free gift, a warm community celebration, and the chance for children to meet Santa Claus—all made possible through dedicated volunteers and generous community support. Over the years, students from Desert View High School and Sunnyside High School have proudly joined the effort, helping sort and prepare toys to ensure every child feels the magic of the season.
We also highlight this year’s partnership with Steve as we come together once again to support Miracle en el Barrio, happening December 20th at 8:00 AM at St. John’s Church. Tune in to hear how this event continues to unite our community, spread kindness, and keep the spirit of Christmas alive.

In this episode of Somos Sunnyside, Superintendent Gastelum welcomes newly elected Tucson City Council Ward 5 member Selina Barajas, a proud Tucsonan. As a City Council member, Barajas helps shape local policies, advocate for city services, and make decisions that directly impact neighborhoods, families, and quality of life.
Barajas shares her deep connection to the community—having grown up on the south side and attended Elvira Elementary in Ward 5—and reflects on what it means to now serve the very neighborhoods that shaped her. She speaks passionately about uplifting families, strengthening partnerships, and bringing new opportunities to the ward she calls home.
Selina also honors two women who were instrumental in her journey, sharing:
“I want to thank my incredible co-chairs, Eva Carrillo Dong and Anna Sanchez. Eva, the longest-serving member of the SUSD Governing Board, has given decades of steady, principled leadership to our community. Anna, through her many years as a public librarian and her constant support on the Sunnyside football and wrestling sidelines, has uplifted countless families across our neighborhoods. I am grateful to both of them for walking alongside me every step of the way; canvassing Ward 5, helping me win, and continuing to support me as I serve. Their dedication and heart embody the very best of our City and south side community.”
Together, Superintendent Gastelum and Council Member Barajas explore the future of Ward 5, the importance of community leadership, and the shared commitment to building a stronger, more connected Sunnyside.

In this episode of Somos Sunnyside, we’re joined by Hilaria Szelog, fifth grade teacher at Los Amigos Technology Academy; Elda Peña, Principal of Santa Clara Elementary School; and Andy Townsend, Executive Director of Student Services. Together, they discuss Proposition 416, the Sunnyside Unified School District’s proposed bond initiative that voters will consider this November through a vote-by-mail election.
Proposition 416 would provide funding for the construction, renovation, and modernization of all 21 school sites and grounds, including new building replacements at Sunnyside High School, which is now over 70 years old. The bond also includes critical safety and security improvements, upgrades to athletic and fine arts facilities, new classroom technology and equipment, modernized plumbing and roofing systems, and student transportation vehicles.
Principal Peña shares her experience with a recent water main break at Santa Clara Elementary, the third such incident in recent years, and reflects on how the district’s quick response ensured learning continued without disruption. Her story underscores the need for ongoing investment in our schools, which truly serve as our second homes.
The estimated total cost of the bond projects is $120 million. The District Governing Board emphasizes that these improvements are necessary to provide safe, modern, and effective learning environments for all students while protecting taxpayer investments and community property values.
The last day to mail your ballot is October 28, 2025.
We invite our community to stay informed and vote in the way that best represents their voice. Thank you for believing in our students and supporting the future of Sunnyside. 

In this episode of Somos Sunnyside, we sit down with Angelica Duddleston, principal of Desert View High School, and Stephanie Ponce, principal of Sunnyside High School. They share the incredible achievements happening at their schools, from graduates earning over $26.8 million in scholarships to students heading to prestigious universities and competing at the collegiate level.
Our conversation also dives into Proposition 416, the bond initiative on the November ballot, and how it would support school safety, modernization, and student opportunities across the district.
Finally, we celebrate community spirit with a look ahead to the much-anticipated Duel in the District football game on October 2nd at Desert View High School.

In this episode of Somos Sunnyside, we celebrate Attendance Awareness Month with two outstanding leaders: Principal Kelley Brooks-Cavaletto of Elvira Elementary and Principal Elizabeth Flores of Gallego Primary. Both schools are no strangers to topping the charts in Sunnyside’s Olympic-style attendance challenge, where gold, silver, and bronze medals go to schools with the highest attendance.
Together, our principals share the strategies, motivation, and strong community support that keep their students showing up and thriving. From the energy of friendly competition to the vital role parents play, you’ll hear how Elvira and Gallego Primary make every day of learning count. Tune in for an inspiring look at how Sunnyside schools are fostering commitment, joy, and success one school day at a time!