SUSD Spotlight

In this student-led episode, Bete Gelan and Luciana Villanueva from the SUSD Student Advisory Board share what life is like at Arcadia High School.
 
From academics to clubs, athletics, and opportunities beyond the school day, they give an inside look at what makes the Arcadia experience stand out.
 

This week, we celebrate a historic milestone at Desert Mountain High School.
 
For the first time ever, the Wolves football team claimed the AIA 5A State Championship, capping off a season full of grit, teamwork, and unforgettable moments.
 
Joining us is Head Coach Conrad Hamilton as he shares the journey behind this achievement, the dedication of the players, and what this championship means for the school and the community.

On this episode of the SUSD Spotlight Podcast, we are celebrating championship excellence at Desert Mountain High School. The Desert Mountain Girls Swim and Dive team captured the Division 2 State Championship, their fourth title in five years.
We will hear from team members Kaleigh Mack and Abigail Fisher along with Athletic Director Cher Fesenmaier about the journey to the state title, the dedication and teamwork behind the scenes, and what it means to represent Desert Mountain and the SUSD community at the highest level.
Join us as we dive into the story of this incredible dynasty.

Ever wondered how students turn a passion for music into real-world experience? In this episode, we explore CMAS, a dynamic CTE pathway in Scottsdale Unified School District where students dive into the world of music and audio production.
 
From recording in a professional studio to performing live, CMAS students are learning by doing. They gain hands-on industry experience while earning credits that can lead directly to college opportunities or careers in the music and audio industry.
 
Hear from teacher Richard Maxwell and Kelly Mitchell as they share how this program is helping students create, perform, and prepare for the future.
 
Tune in and discover how SUSD students are turning up the volume on their learning!

Creativity, community, and the arts take center stage! This week on the SUSD Spotlight Podcast, we bring you everything you need to know about the Scottsdale Family ArtsFest at the stunning Scottsdale Civic Center on Friday, March 6 and Saturday, March 7.
This free, family-friendly weekend is packed with student performances, art experiences, and the Alli Ortega Empty Bowls fundraiser, all in one unforgettable celebration.
Joining us are Natalie Marsh, Scottsdale Arts Director of Learning and Innovation, and Michelle Irvin, SUSD’s Coordinator of Fine Arts and Physical Education.

CTE Month continues as we explore the Coding and Software Development program at Arcadia High School with instructor Shelley Alfieri-Brown and student Carter Friedberg.
 
From designing software and building databases to exploring networking and testing applications like industry professionals, these students are gaining real-world tech skills that go far beyond the basics.

CTE Month continues, and this time we’re stepping into the kitchen at Chaparral High School!
Hear from Culinary Arts instructor Jack Trier and students Eden Lariego and Nathan Uretzky as they share how Chaparral’s hands-on CTE program prepares students for Arizona’s thriving hospitality and tourism industry.
From foundational culinary skills to industry certifications and dual enrollment college credit, this program turns passion into real-world opportunity.

CTE Month continues as we’re joined by Victoria Pacheco, CTE and Nursing Services Coordinator at Saguaro High School, along with Saguaro senior Ella Matz. Together they give us an inside look at the CTE Nursing Services program at Saguaro High School, a hands-on and immersive pathway that prepares students for real-world health care careers. From industry certifications to clinical experiences and everything in between, Victoria and Ella share how this program opens doors for students and helps shape the next generation of health care professionals.

CTE Month continues as we shine a spotlight on the Finance CTE program at Chaparral High School. In this episode, we’re joined by teacher Mason Renfer and student Cannon Rierson to explore how the program prepares students to confidently manage their own finances and navigate the business world.
From personal finance and investing to economics and the impact of global companies, students build real-world skills in money management, credit, and smart spending. The conversation also highlights how participation in DECA helps students take their learning to the next level through competition and leadership experiences.
Tune in to learn how Chaparral’s Finance CTE program is preparing students for success in college, careers, and beyond.

The latest episode of the SUSD Spotlight podcast is live, and we’re kicking off CTE Month with a spotlight on the Biotechnology CTE program at Saguaro High School.
Teacher Liz Bond and student Jacob Smith join us to share what it’s like to learn science through hands-on, real world lab experiences.
From DNA extraction and advanced biotech techniques to earning college credit and working toward an industry-recognized credential, this signature program is preparing students for college, careers, and exciting opportunities in a fast growing field.