Sunnyside Unified School District

COLLEGE DEGREES BEFORE HIGH SCHOOL DIPLOMAS 🎓 Five seniors from Desert View High School are making history by graduating with their associate degrees from Pima Community College before even receiving their high school diplomas. This extraordinary accomplishment reflects years of commitment, discipline, and perseverance. Beginning their freshman year, these students committed to an accelerated college pathway that included rigorous college-level coursework, summer classes, extended learning after school, and even Friday evening classes from 4:00–10:00 p.m. — all while balancing the responsibilities of high school life. Their achievement is a powerful example of what it means to be truly college, career, and community ready. Congratulations to these remarkable graduates: 🔸 Alex Bustillos 🔸 Bernadette Pinedo 🔸 Johny Felix 🔸 Jorge Quijada 🔸 Miana Urquidez We are incredibly proud of the dedication, resilience, and ambition these students have shown throughout their journey. Their success reflects the impact of strong partnerships, high expectations, and opportunities that help students see beyond what they thought was possible. #YouWillLoveSUSD #CollegeReady #StudentSuccess #DualEnrollment #PimaCommunityCollege #DesertViewHighSchool #FutureReady

SOMOS SUNNYSIDE — Three seniors. Three unique journeys. One powerful conversation about perseverance, opportunity, and what’s possible when students are supported and empowered to succeed. In this episode of Somos Sunnyside, Desert View High School seniors Dante Escobar, Daniel Amaya, and Jasmine Reyna reflect on the experiences that prepared them for life beyond high school—from dual enrollment courses and strong mentorship to athletics, leadership, and personal determination. What makes this conversation especially meaningful is their message to younger students: high school goes by fast. Take your education seriously, get involved, build relationships, and never stop pursuing your goals. 🎧 Listen to Somos Sunnyside: • susd12.org/somos-sunnyside • Spotify • Podbean • Amazon Music • iHeartRadio #SomosSunnyside #StudentSuccess #PublicEducation #Leadership #CollegeAndCareerReady #YouWillLoveSUSD

TRI-SCHOOL PARTNERSHIP — Representatives from SUSD, the University of Arizona, and Pima Community College recently came together in a collaborative effort focused on strengthening postsecondary opportunities for students and building clearer pathways to long-term success. Through meaningful dialogue and strategic planning, the partnership explored new ways to support the district’s goal of ensuring SUSD graduates enroll and persist in college or other postsecondary programs. This work reflects a shared commitment to expanding access, removing barriers, and creating a stronger continuum of support from K-12 through higher education. We are grateful for the continued partnership and collective investment in the future of Sunnyside students. #PublicEducation #StudentSuccess #HigherEducation #Leadership #CollegeAndCareerReady #YouWillLoveSUSD

FULL CIRCLE MOMENTS 🎓 There’s something powerful about coming home. As part of our annual Senior Walks, the graduating Class of 2026 returned to the elementary schools where their journeys first began—this time in caps and gowns, walking the same hallways with a very different perspective. What was once the starting point is now a milestone moment. For our seniors, it’s a chance to reflect on how far they’ve come—the lessons learned, the challenges overcome, and the memories that shaped who they are today. For our youngest learners, it’s something even bigger: a glimpse into their future. They see what’s possible. They see themselves. And they begin to understand that one day, they too will walk those same halls—on their way to crossing a graduation stage of their own. To our elementary schools, thank you for celebrating these students not just for who they are today, but for who they’ve been all along. And to the Class of 2026, your journey is a testament to perseverance, growth, and the power of public education. The finish line is near—and it all started here. #SeniorWalk #ClassOf2026 #PublicEducation #StudentSuccess #YouWillLoveSUSD

AN EVENING TO EMPOWER — Thank you to the Southern Arizona Education Council for a memorable event celebrating outstanding individuals and teams whose work is shaping the future of our students and community. 🌟 Exemplary Educator Award Presented to individuals who demonstrate exceptional service to learners and empower them in their personal and academic journeys. Congratulations to Ms. Allison Labenberg of Elvira Elementary School for her commitment to student success. 🍎 Apple Award Recognizing exemplary people, programs, and organizations for notable service to education as a place to learn and work. We proudly celebrated Jackie Nichols, a Lifetime Education Advocate at Billy L. Lauffer Middle School, for her lasting impact on our educational community. 🎓 College Catalyst Award Awarded to high schools that demonstrate exceptional dedication and spirit in encouraging seniors to pursue post-secondary pathways. For the second consecutive year, our counseling team at Sunnyside High School has earned this recognition—an incredible testament to their commitment to student futures. These recognitions represent more than awards—they reflect the heart of our district. The passion, leadership, and dedication of our staff continue to create meaningful opportunities for every student we serve. #Leadership #PublicEducation #Excellence #StudentSuccess #YouWillLoveSUSD

SOMOS SUNNYSIDE — In our latest Somos Sunnyside podcast, we highlight a powerful full-circle story of impact and purpose. We sit down with Desert View High School graduates Ximena Mata Ruiz (Liberty Elementary), Yaritza Grijalva (Ocotillo Learning Center), and Melanye Macias (Gallego Intermediate)—three remarkable women who have turned their passion for education into meaningful careers right here in Sunnyside. As students in the Education Professions Program under the guidance of Ms. Skeggs, they discovered their calling in teaching, mentorship, and service. Today, they’ve returned to the very community that shaped them—now supporting and inspiring the next generation of learners. This is what it means to build a sustainable educator pipeline. This is what it looks like when students become leaders in their own community. 🎧 Listen and subscribe: • susd12.org/somos-sunnyside • Spotify • Podbean • Amazon Music • iHeartRadio #SomosSunnyside #PublicEducation #WorkforceDevelopment #Leadership #YouWillLoveSUSD

TEACHER APPRECIATION WEEK — This week, we proudly celebrated the heart of our schools—our exceptional educators at Sunnyside Unified School District 🧡 Every day, our teachers show up with passion, patience, and purpose. They inspire curiosity, nurture growth, and make a lasting impact on the lives of students, families, and our entire community. Their work extends far beyond the classroom, shaping futures and strengthening the foundation of public education. To our educators: thank you for all that you do—this week and every week. Your impact is immeasurable. #TeacherAppreciationWeek #PublicEducation #Leadership #Gratitude #YouWillLoveSUSD

Congratulations to SUSD's newest district retirees! These are the people who have dedicated years—many, decades—of their lives to serving our students, supporting families, and strengthening our schools. Their impact is not measured only in years of service, but in the lives they’ve shaped, the opportunities they’ve created, and the legacy they leave behind in every classroom, office, and campus across our district. While some of our retirees are beginning a new chapter beyond the district, we’re grateful that others will continue their journey with us. Their experience and wisdom remain an invaluable part of our community. To all of our retirees: thank you. Your service matters. Your impact is lasting. And your legacy will continue to shape the future of our district for years to come. #PublicEducation #Leadership #Gratitude #Legacy #EducationMatters

FROM DESERT VIEW HIGH SCHOOL TO THE IVY LEAGUE — Anysa Medrano, a senior at Desert View High School, has been accepted to Princeton University. Her acceptance reflects years of hard work, and a powerful reminder of what can happen when students are supported, challenged, and encouraged to pursue their goals at the highest level. Anysa’s journey—from the classrooms of Desert View to one of the nation’s top universities—represents more than individual achievement. It reflects the potential that exists within our students and the importance of creating pathways that make those opportunities real. We are proud of the example she sets for her peers and our community. This is what college, career, and community readiness looks like in action. #ivyleague #scholar #collegereadiness

WHAT DOES WORKFORCE READINESS ACTUALLY LOOK LIKE IN HIGH SCHOOL? Recently, we welcomed Paloma L. Santiago Santiago from the Arizona Technology Council to explore the iSTEM Academy at Desert View High School and see firsthand how students are preparing for the future. From precision manufacturing to engineering, drafting, and design, students are working with industry-level technology and developing real-world skills that extend far beyond the classroom. Students guided tours, shared their projects, and spoke with confidence about what they’re learning and where they see themselves going. Experiences like this don’t just expose students to careers—they help build the future workforce by connecting learning to purpose, application, and opportunity. This is what college, career, and community readiness looks like in action. #iSTEM #precisionmanufacturing #engineering #drafting #workforcereadiness