Somos Sunnyside

In this episode of Somos Sunnyside, we welcome Chris Higgins, a proud Sunnyside graduate whose journey from student to championin the district reflects the power of community and perseverance. Chris talks about the experiences that shaped him growing up in Sunnyside, the mentors who inspired him, and his passion for creating opportunities for students today. His story highlights the importance of staying connected to your roots, leading with purpose, and investing in the success of future generations.

We’re excited to launch Season 3 of Somos Sunnyside with a very special episode spotlighting two of Sunnyside High School’s amazing leaders and recent Southern Arizona Hispanic Chamber of Commerce 40 Under 40 honorees: Natalie Townsend, Assistant Principal of the Freshmen Academy, and Matthew Coody, Emergency Medical Services teacher.
Natalie and Matthew bring different strengths to Sunnyside, but they share a common passion of helping students succeed. Natalie’s leadership in the Freshmen Academy provides critical support for students as they transition into high school, while Matthew’s EMS program equips students with life-saving skills and real-world opportunities in healthcare.
Both see their recognition not as an individual achievement, but as a reflection of the village that surrounds them who make their work possible.
In this episode, they share their love for Sunnyside, their hopes for the future, and their vision of Sunnyside High School reaching new heights. From creating strong foundations for incoming freshmen to inspiring future first responders, Natalie and Matthew embody the heart of what makes Sunnyside a special place to learn, grow, and excellence in excellence.
This inspiring conversation sets the tone for a season filled with stories of resilience, leadership, and the bright future of our community.

In this episode of the Somos Sunnyside Podcast, we sit down with Ximena Balmaceda, Sunnyside High School’s 2025 valedictorian, who shares her inspiring academic journey marked by dedication, humility, and a deep love for science. With an extraordinary 4.61 GPA, Ximena is set to attend the University of Arizona, where she plans to study microbiology and continue exploring her passion for research.
Ximena reflects on her time as a student in the Sunnyside Unified School District, from her early days at Rivera Elementary, to Lauffer Middle School, and finally, Sunnyside High School. She speaks with gratitude about the teachers who guided and encouraged her every step of the way. Despite achieving top academic honors, Ximena remains grounded and focused, having quietly committed to maintaining her valedictorian status from early in high school.
Tune in to hear how lab visits, supportive educators, and a genuine curiosity for science helped shape Ximena’s future, and how she hopes to make an impact in the world through STEM.

In this inspiring episode of Somos Sunnyside, Superintendent Gastelum sits down with Desert View High School’s own Sebastian Gonzalez, a proud product of the Sunnyside Unified School District. Sebastian shares his story growing up in the district, participating in programs that shaped who he is today—mariachi, basketball, boys volleyball, and the S.U.N. program during his elementary years.
A true example of dedication and perseverance, Sebastian reflects on the ups and downs of applying for scholarships, including the many rejections that made his eventual success as a Dorrance Scholar even more meaningful. He recounts the powerful moment he made it to the final interview panel—face-to-face with Mr. Dorrance himself—and how the process sharpened his interview skills and boosted his confidence.
Sebastian’s academic motivation, fueled in part by some healthy sibling rivalry, has taken him far, and he’s just getting started. He’ll be attending the University of Arizona this fall with a dream to earn a degree that will help him open a chiropractic office alongside his dad, a licensed massage therapist.
Tune in to hear how Sebastian’s journey through Sunnyside schools, his commitment to both academics and extracurriculars, and his passion for giving his best have led him to a future filled with opportunity and purpose.

In this episode of Somos Sunnyside, we’re thrilled to feature Jeanette Mendoza, a standout senior from Sunnyside High School. Jeanette is a passionate learner with a deep love for both mariachi music and science. As a 2025 Flinn Scholar, she shares her journey through academics, the power of cultural expression through mariachi, and what drives her to succeed.
Jeanette reflects on the teachers and experiences that shaped her, and talks about her plans to study at the University of Arizona. With her sights set on making a difference, Jeanette hopes to one day give back to the very community that supported her growth.
Tune in to hear this inspiring conversation with one of Sunnyside’s brightest stars—where tradition, talent, and ambition come together.

In this powerful episode of Somos Sunnyside, we highlight a groundbreaking collaboration that’s hitting all the right notes in the Sunnyside Unified School District. Superintendent Gastelum sits down with a diverse panel of change makers: Christopher Garcia, Sierra K-8 teacher and music instructor; Lieutenant Faith Schrouder from the Tucson Police Department; Dana Wier, CEO of Tucson Youth Music; and Granger Vinall, Board Chair of Tucson Youth Music.
Together, they discuss the On Beat Studio program—a unique partnership between Sierra K-8, the Tucson Police Department, and Tucson Youth Music. The program offers free violin and guitar lessons to 2nd–3rd and 6th–7th graders, bringing students and police officers into the same learning space, united through music. It's more than just music instruction—it’s a violence prevention initiative under TPD’s VIVA program, aimed at creating positive, personal interactions between youth and law enforcement.
Lieutenant Schrouder shares how being a musician herself allows her to connect with kids on a human level, while Dana Wier and Granger Vinall speak to the broader vision and impact of music education across Tucson. Christopher Garcia offers an inside look at the classroom magic, where students are finding confidence, joy, and a sense of belonging through their instruments.
This episode is a testament to the power of partnership, the importance of access, and the role music can play in building stronger, safer communities.

In this episode of Somos Sunnyside, we sit down with Arlene Wade Peña, a dedicated second grade teacher at Elvira Elementary School and this year’s recipient of the Esperanza Teacher of the Year Award, presented by Chicanos por la Causa. Arlene shares her journey from dreaming of becoming a lawyer to finding her true calling in the classroom—thanks to early encouragement from her teacher, Mr. Miller at Drexel Elementary, and later, mentors who saw her potential as an educator. With over a decade of experience, Arlene reflects on the joy and purpose she’s found in teaching. Her passion is clear: she’s where she belongs, with her students, shaping young minds year after year. Tune in to hear how Arlene’s heart for teaching continues to make a lasting impact at Elvira—and why she knows she’ll retire right where she is: in the classroom.

In this episode of Somos Sunnyside, we highlight an essential service making a difference in our community—mobile dentistry in Sunnyside schools. Our guests, Lilly Meda and Dr. Aram Abramian from General Dentistry 4 Kids, share how their program brings preventative dental care directly into school classrooms, ensuring students receive necessary check-ups without missing valuable class time or requiring parents to take time off work.
Since first partnering with Sunnyside Unified School District in 2009, General Dentistry 4 Kids has evolved from using an RV-based clinic to setting up full dental stations inside schools, creating a more comfortable and familiar environment for children. Their preventative services include X-rays, exams, cleanings, fluoride treatments, and sealants—all aimed at keeping students healthy and ready to learn.
Importantly, their program is accessible to all students, accepting all types of insurance and providing free preventative care to those without coverage. Beyond school-based care, they also support the community through oral hygiene education and their Caring4Community donation initiative.
Join us as we discuss the impact of this invaluable program and how it removes barriers to dental care, ensuring every child can maintain a healthy smile and focus on their education. Tune in and learn more about how General Dentistry 4 Kids is keeping Sunnyside students smiling!
 

In this episode of the Somos Sunnyside podcast, Superintendent Gastelum sits down with Dr. Jeffrey P. Nasse, Chancellor of Pima Community College (PCC), to discuss the incredible opportunities available for students looking to continue their education. Dr. Nasse highlights PCC’s commitment to transforming lives through affordable, high-quality education and its mission to empower every learner, every day, for every goal.
To parents and students: Pima Community College values you as a student and cannot wait to help you accomplish your dreams. Like Sunnyside, PCC is dedicated to transforming students’ lives for the best. Tune in to learn how PCC can support your academic and career aspirations!

In this episode of Somos Sunnyside, Superintendent Gastelum welcomes a panel of dedicated educators to share their journeys into teaching and how they found a professional home within the Sunnyside Unified School District. Guests include Mari Martinez, a preschool teacher at Ocotillo Learning Center; Fernando Jimenez, an ELA and AVID teacher at Desert View High School; and Ethan Bussell, a social studies teacher and teacher coach at Apollo Middle School.
Together, they discuss the rewards of teaching in Sunnyside—from the meaningful connections they build with students to the District’s robust professional development opportunities. Their message to anyone considering a career in education? Sunnyside offers a supportive, collaborative, and enriching work environment where educators can thrive. Whether you’re a new teacher or an experienced educator looking for a welcoming community, Sunnyside is a place to grow and make a lasting impact.