Somos Sunnyside

In this episode of Somos Sunnyside, we sit down with three outstanding seniors from Sunnyside High School as they reflect on their educational journeys, future aspirations, and the community that helped shape their success.

Pamela Romero shares her excitement about attending Kenyon College to pursue her passion for neuroscience. As a recipient of the Victoria Teresa Arias Memorial Scholarship, Pamela discusses the importance of per...

In this episode of Somos Sunnyside, we sit down with three outstanding seniors from Desert View High School as they prepare for their next chapter after graduation. Dante Escobar and Daniel Amaya share their excitement about pursuing Sports Journalism at Arizona State University and Northern Arizona University, while Jasmine Reyna reflects on earning a full ride softball scholarship to Eastern Arizona College.

Throughout the conver...

In this inspiring episode of Somos Sunnyside, we sit down with three incredible educators who have come full circle,once students in Sunnyside District, now shaping the future of the very classrooms that inspired them.

We hear from Ximena Mata Ruiz, a teacher at Liberty Elementary School, Yaritza Grijalva, a childcare worker at Ocotillo Learning Center, and Melanye Macias, a paraprofessional at Gallego Intermediate. All proud gradu...

In this exciting episode of the Somos Sunnyside Podcast, we welcome special guests Coach Justin Delgado, Esabella Barajas, Dora Medina, and Taylor Rainwater as they reflect on an unforgettable 2025–2026 season.

The team takes us through an amazing season, filled with resilience, growth, and big-time moments. With an impressive 26–4 overall record, back-to-back championships at the Inferno Invitational and FW Holiday Sho...

In this episode of the Somos Sunnyside Podcast, we step onto the mat with Sunnyside High School wrestling head coach Anthony Leon and freshman state champion Jack Thrush to talk about what it takes to build champions.

Coach Leon and Jack share the excitement behind securing another team state championship and Jack’s incredible run to an individual state title. From early mornings to relentless training, they dive into the dis...

In this episode of the Somos Sunnyside Podcast, we sit down with the incredible leadership team from Elvira Elementary School: Principal Kelley Brooks-Cavaletto, ABSS Antonia Morado Romer, and Teacher Coach Amanda Morris. Together, they share how a strong culture of collaboration among staff, students, and families drives student success, emphasizing that every role on campus plays a vital part.

Their data-driven approach and share...

In this episode of Somos Sunnyside, we step behind the curtain at Desert View High School to spotlight the incredible Drama and Stagecraft program where creativity, collaboration, and technical skill bring performances to life.

Instructor Dustin Bielich and student Rexx Gallardo share how Technical Theater is truly where the action happens. From building detailed sets and designing costumes to managing lighting, sound, stage direct...

In this powerful episode of Somos Sunnyside, we step inside Sunnyside’s Law and Public Safety program with teachers Steve Armenta and Katelyn Federico, J.D., alongside students Natalie Felix and Irene Villa. This dynamic Career & Technical Education pathway prepares students for advanced training, higher education, and immediate employment in the law and public safety field.

Students gain hands-on experience developing fo...

In this episode of Somos Sunnyside, we spotlight the Sports Medicine Program at Sunnyside High School, a hands-on pathway preparing students for careers in athletic training, healthcare, and sports science. We sat down with student Destiny Inzunza and instructor Johanna Lerma to learn how this program puts learning into action in and out of the classroom.

The Sports Medicine program offers students real-world experience in a dynami...

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 Dese...

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 prescri...

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 men...

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.

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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, an...

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 chanc...

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 Elv...

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.

Propositi...

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 ...

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 th...