Somos Sunnyside

Somos Sunnyside: Episode 26 featuring Myrna Leal

In this episode of the Somos Sunnyside podcast, we sit down with Myrna Leal, the new Family Resource Coordinator for Sunnyside School District. Myrna, originally from Puerto Rico, brings a deep sense of compassion and a rich background in community service to her role. She shares her excitement about the recent grand opening of the Family Resource Center, one of only three in Southern Arizona, which offers vital support to families through parent education classes, workshops, and resources for those facing hardships.
During the conversation, Myrna and Mr. Gastelum dive into her Puerto Rican roots, exploring the vibrant culture and delicious cuisine that she continues to enjoy in Tucson. Myrna talks about the joy of cooking traditional Puerto Rican dishes, noting the unique flavors and spices that set them apart from Mexican cuisine. She mentions how her family in Puerto Rico still sends her spices, helping her keep a taste of home alive.
Tune in to hear Myrna’s inspiring journey, her passion for helping others, and how she’s bringing a touch of Puerto Rican flavor to the Sunnyside community.

Somos Sunnyside: Episode 25 featuring Anjolie Navarrete

In this episode of Somos Sunnyside, we sit down with Anjolie Navarrete, a first-year teacher at Sierra K-8 School, where she teaches 7th grade math. Anjolie shares her journey of balancing her teaching responsibilities while being a full-time student in the UA Pathways program.
She talks about how this program is equipping her with the skills and knowledge to be effective in the classroom and set up for long-term success. Anjolie expresses her gratitude for the teacher mentorship program at Sierra, which provides her with valuable guidance from experienced mentors. Her passion for teaching shines through as she discusses the joy she feels when she sees her students engage with their learning.
This episode is a heartfelt conversation about the challenges and rewards of being a new teacher and the importance of building a supportive classroom community.

Somos Sunnyside: Season 2 Episode 24 featuring Ella Buckner

WE'RE BACK FOR SEASON TWO!
In this episode of Somos Sunnyside, we kick off the new school year with a special guest, Ella Buckner, a senior at Sunnyside High School. 
Ella shares her journey, starting from her early years in Southern California to moving to Tucson, where she attended Apollo Middle School and eventually Sunnyside High School. She speaks about the sense of community and belonging that has shaped her experience in Tucson, emphasizing the strong connections she has formed with her teachers and peers.
This summer Ella was selected as a Delegate to the Congress of Future Medical Leaders and she discusses how she was invited to the congress through College Board and the immense honor she felt being recognized as one of the top students in the country. During the congress, Ella quickly found confidence as she connected with like-minded peers and listened to inspiring talks from top medical professionals, researchers, and even teenage medical prodigies.
Ella discusses her passion for pursuing a career in forensic science, her top choice of Brown University, and the pivotal moments that shaped her journey in becoming a successful student. She gives credit to Ms. Paz from Apollo Middle School for inspiring her to excel in every subject and Mrs. Najar at Sunnyside High School for mentoring her with the resources and self-discipline necessary for success. Tune in to hear how Ella is charting her path to becoming a future leader in the Sunnyside community and beyond!

Somos Sunnyside: Episode 23 featuring Lindsay Moreno

In this special episode of Somos Sunnyside, we shine the spotlight on an exceptional young woman who has set a remarkable example for her peers and community. Lindsay, the valedictorian of Sunnyside High School, has consistently pushed herself to excel, embodying the spirit of hard work and dedication. From day one, Lindsay set the bar high, expecting nothing less than straight A's and pouring her energy into every assignment with the goal of achieving excellence.
Lindsay's determination and career-oriented mindset guided her academic journey. She strategically chose classes that aligned with her future career aspirations, demonstrating a clear vision and purpose in her educational choices. Her gratitude extends to the Step College Program, which provided invaluable support and preparation for the college application process.
The fruits of Lindsay's labor are evident in her impressive accomplishment of earning over a million dollars in scholarships. She applied to ten universities, each known for its strong nursing programs, reflecting her passion and commitment to entering the healthcare field. Ultimately, Lindsay made the thoughtful decision to stay close to home and attend the University of Arizona, believing it to be the best choice for her career and personal growth.
As a first-generation college student, Lindsay's journey is particularly inspiring. Her story is a testament to the belief that no matter where you come from, you can achieve your dreams with determination and hard work. Tune in to hear Lindsay share her experiences, challenges, and the wisdom she has gained along the way. Join us in celebrating Lindsay's remarkable achievements and the bright future that lies ahead for this outstanding Sunnyside High School valedictorian.

Somos Sunnyside: Episode 22 featuring Crista Zepeda Ramirez

In this episode of the Somos Sunnyside, we have the pleasure of talking with Crista Zepeda Ramirez, Sunnyside High School's salutatorian and a proud recipient of the prestigious Gates Millennium Scholarship. Crista shares her inspiring journey of academic excellence and personal determination, shaped by her experiences as the daughter of immigrants.
Crista recounts the emotional moments of her scholarship journey: finding out she was invited to the interview round while with her mom, and discovering she had received the scholarship with her dad by her side. These milestones were not just personal achievements but also ways to honor her parents' sacrifices and hard work.
Despite facing various challenges, Crista's dedication and perseverance have led her to remarkable accomplishments. Now, she is preparing to embark on the next chapter of her academic journey at Johns Hopkins University. Crista's story is a testament to the power of resilience and the support of a loving family in achieving one's dreams.
Tune in to hear more about Crista's journey, her plans for the future, and how she continues to strive to make her parents proud through her unwavering commitment to her education.

Somos Sunnyside: Episode 21 featuring Andrea Romero

In this uplifting episode of Somos Sunnyside, we shine a spotlight on Andrea Romero, an exceptional senior at Star Academic High School. Andrea is set to graduate third in her class and has earned acceptance letters from seven universities! Her journey has been marked by resilience and determination, especially in the face of the challenges brought on by the pandemic. Andrea shares how the personalized and smaller atmosphere at Star Academic High School provided her with the support and encouragement needed to excel academically and personally.
As Andrea prepares to walk across the stage at graduation, she offers heartfelt advice to her peers: to have fun and hold onto their youth for as long as possible while they are still in school. She emphasizes the importance of balancing hard work with enjoying the high school experience and making lasting memories.
Tune in to hear Andrea's inspiring story, her words of wisdom, and her excitement for the future. Join us as we celebrate her remarkable achievements and look forward to the bright future that lies ahead for this extraordinary young woman.

Somos Sunnyside: Episode 20 featuring Frankois Valdez

In this episode of Somos Sunnyside, we delve into the inspiring journey of Frankois Valdez, co-valedictorian at Desert View High School, who shares his remarkable story of perseverance, gratitude, and determination.
With a stellar 4.3 GPA and the prestigious Dorrance Scholarship under his belt, Frankois reflects on his high school experience with heartfelt gratitude towards his counselors and educators, who played a pivotal role in preparing him for success. His journey is not just about academic achievements; it's deeply rooted in his Mexican-American heritage and the dream his parents instilled in him.
Frankois acknowledges the sacrifices his parents made, laying the foundation for his future through hard work and dedication. Following in his sister's footsteps as a valedictorian and college student, he finds strength and guidance in her mentorship, shaping his path towards bringing positive change to his community.
Through his story, Frankois embodies resilience and the power of education to transcend barriers. Join us as we explore his journey of building on his family's legacy and striving to make a difference in the world.

Somos Sunnyside: Episode 19 featuring Lucy Pacheco

In the latest episode of Somos Sunnyside, we are joined by the remarkable Lucy Pacheco, co-valedictorian of Desert View High School, whose humility and dedication shine through her academic achievements. Lucy shares her insights into the power of collaboration in education and the invaluable role of teachers in shaping her journey.
Throughout the conversation, Lucy reflects on her journey, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and the support of her peers in her academic success. She credits her achievements not only to her own hard work but also to the guidance and mentorship of her teachers, whom she views as invaluable collaborators in her learning process.
Looking ahead to the future, Lucy reveals her aspirations to pursue a career in architectural engineering, a path she will embark on in Philadelphia this coming fall. Her passion for architecture, combined with her relentless determination, promises a bright and impactful future ahead.
Tune in to Somos Sunnyside as Lucy Pacheco shares her inspiring story of empowerment through education.

Somos Sunnyside: Episode 18 featuring Desert View High School's Learning Ambassadors

In this episode of Somos Sunnyside, the spotlight is on Desert View High School's Learning Ambassador group with students dedicated to amplifying student voices in education.
Listeners get an inside look at how these passionate students are thriving in the classroom and aiding teachers in their professional growth. Through articulate discussions, the Ambassadors shed light on their classroom experiences and the development of crucial student agency skills. From ELA to Mathematics, Science, CTE, and Fine Arts, these students articulate how they are shaping their learner identities across diverse content areas.
Moreover, the Learning Ambassadors are not just confined to their school walls. They are honing their public speaking skills by presenting to teachers on-site, district administrators, and even educators nationwide at prestigious conferences. Through their efforts, a diverse range of perspectives is not only being heard but also influencing classroom practices.
Tune in to discover how this student-led initiative is fostering equity, amplifying voices, and shaping the future of education at Desert View High School and beyond!
 

Somos Sunnyside Episode 17 Featuring Audrey Jimenez & Anthony Leon

Welcome to Somos Sunnyside! In this special episode, we are joined by Audrey Jimenez, a remarkable athlete, and Coach Anthony Leon. Audrey is no stranger to victory, being a four-time state champion and gearing up for the 2024 Olympic Trials this month, where she's poised to dominate as the top seed in the challenge tournament.
Audrey's journey is nothing short of inspiring. From winning state titles in the girl's division during her freshman, sophomore, and junior years to fearlessly competing against boys, Audrey's determination knows no bounds. She has her sights set on the 2024 Olympic Trials, where she will face off against the formidable 2023 World medalist Sarah Hildebrandt in a best-of-three series for the 50 kg spot at the Paris Olympics.
But Audrey's achievements don't end there. As a silver medalist in the 110 lb weight category at the U20 World Championships in both 2022 and 2023, she has consistently proven her prowess on the wrestling mat.
Coach Leon also has exciting news to share. Audrey has been selected as the inaugural recipient of a new scholarship established in her honor. This scholarship, worth $10,000 each year of the recipient's college education, is awarded to an outgoing Sunnyside wrestler who maintains a 3.2 GPA. Audrey's outstanding performance at the AIA state championship played a pivotal role in the formation of this scholarship, and her legacy will live on through its name for years to come.
Tune in to Somos Sunnyside to learn more about Audrey's incredible journey and the formation of this groundbreaking scholarship.