Somos Sunnyside

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 persevera...

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 t...

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 ...

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,...

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...

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...

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 a...

In this episode of Somos Sunnyside, Superintendent Gastelum visits Sunnyside High School’s Film & TV program with teacher Nick Duddleston and student Marisela Wilson to explore how students are gaining hands-on experience in broadcast journalism, film, video, and live media production. This dynamic program prepares students for careers in the Radio, TV, and Film industries, equipping them with technical skills and real-world op...

In this episode of Somos Sunnyside, Superintendent Gastelum sits down with Chief Master Sergeant Steven Frederick and student Mika Chance to explore what it’s like to be part of Desert View High School’s Air Force Junior Reserve Officer Training Corps (AFJROTC).

AFJROTC isn’t just about uniforms and drills—it’s a leadership program designed to build character, promote wellness, and instill a sense of service to the nation and commu...

In this episode of Somos Sunnyside, Superintendent Gastelum sits down with Sunnyside High School’s Auto Body Collision instructor, Armando Escalante, who has been shaping future automotive professionals for an incredible 40 years! Joining him is student Ariel Acosta, who shares what it’s like to be part of this hands-on program.

From dent removal and painting to refinishing and safety operations, the Auto Body Collision program equ...

In this episode of Somos Sunnyside, Superintendent Gastelum sits down with Desert View High School’s Home Health instructor, Amy Link, and student Collette Bernal Ortiz to explore what it’s like to be part of the school’s Home Health Aide program. They discuss how the program prepares students with essential skills to care for homebound individuals, including training in first aid, personal hygiene, infection control, and more. Col...

In this episode of Somos Sunnyside, we dive into the exciting new Career and Technical Education (CTE) Marketing program at Star Academic High School. Superintendent Gastelum sits down with Paul Ibirogba, the program’s teacher, and Esteban Velazquez, one of his students, to discuss how this class is shaping future professionals in sales, customer service, advertising, and entrepreneurship.

Paul shares insights into the program’...

In this episode of Somos Sunnyside, we sit down with Mario Castro, Director of Career and Technical Education (CTE) for the Sunnyside Unified School District. Mr. Castro proudly reflects on his own journey as a CTE student at Pueblo High School, where he took a class called Warrior News, and later became a CTE teacher himself. Now, as Director, he oversees 26 teachers across the district, all dedicated to helping students discover ...

In this special episode of Somos Sunnyside, we continue celebrating School Counselor Appreciation Week by sitting down with two incredible counselors who make a difference in the Sunnyside Unified School District every day. Alexandra Inmon, elementary school counselor at Summit View Elementary, and Fatimah Al-Osaimi, middle school counselor at Lauffer Middle School, share their journeys into school counseling and what inspires them...

In this episode of the Somos Sunnyside, we’re celebrating School Counselor Appreciation Week by shining a spotlight on the incredible work of our high school counselors! Join us as we sit down with Eric Estrada-Grijalva, Christina Tellez, and Stephanie Arnold, three dedicated counselors who share their passion for guiding students toward academic success.

From college applications to mental health support and helping students find ...

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Daniel Gastelum, Coordinator for Sunnyside Unified School District’s Native American Education Program (NAEP). Daniel shares his journey of cultural pride and his dedication to uplifting his community through education and service. He reflects on the deep-rooted traditions of his heritage and how they fuel his passion for empowering Native American students to succeed academically while p...

In this inspiring episode of the Somos Sunnyside podcast, Mr. Gastelum sits down with Casey O’Brien, the dynamic Athletic Director and Boys Soccer Coach at Sunnyside High School. Casey shares insights into the school’s remarkable sports programs, highlighting the dedication of student-athletes who excel both in the classroom and on the field.

The conversation delves into the incredible momentum Sunnyside has built as a sports power...

In this episode of Somos Sunnyside, we are joined by Evelyn Jaramillo, a dedicated School Psychologist and Autism Coordinator for the Sunnyside Unified School District. Evelyn shares her passion for supporting students and families, emphasizing the importance of teamwork and collaboration in creating a positive impact.

Recently honored as one of the Tucson Hispanic Chamber of Commerce's 40 Under 40, Evelyn reflects on her achieveme...

In this inspiring episode of Somos Sunnyside, we sit down with Crystal Picazo, the Academic Behavioral Support Specialist (ABSS) at Gallego Primary, to explore her remarkable journey in education and leadership. With 11 years of dedicated service to the Sunnyside School District, Mrs. Picazo brings a unique perspective shaped by her experiences as a former Army soldier and an innovative educator.

We discuss how Mrs. Picazo transiti...