SUSD Spotlight

In this student-led edition of the SUSD Spotlight podcast, members of the Student Advisory Board (SAB) share how they serve their school communities, collaborate with district leadership, and help shape the student experience across SUSD.
 
Hosted by SAB President Fiona Riley, a senior from Saguaro High School, this episode also features President-Elect Matthew Lair, a junior from Desert Mountain High School, and Aashni Sahai, a junior from Saguaro High School.
 
Tune in for thoughtful conversation, real problem-solving, and powerful student perspectives you won’t want to miss.

In this episode of the SUSD Spotlight Podcast, we’re joined by Scottsdale Online Learning student Jordan Sucato and principal Nick Noonan. Jordan is the founder of Laws for Paws LLC, a youth-led nonprofit that raises awareness about the malpractice and mistreatment of animals nationwide.
 
Last year, her organization raised $18,000 for animal welfare in Maricopa County. She also authored legislation to ban the sale of animal-tested cosmetics in Arizona, partnering with Senator John Kavanagh and the Animal Defense League to bring the bill to life.
 
Jordan is also a recipient of PETA’s Hero to Animals Award and was named Student of the Month by the Arizona Board of Education earlier this school year.

In this episode of the SUSD Spotlight Podcast, we’re joined by Paul Ferrero and Michael Twilling to talk about the Mohave Middle School Math and Science Academy.
The program is designed to ignite a passion for Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics in our students. This specialized program combines rigorous academics with real-world problem-solving to challenge students and prepare them for high school and beyond.
It is also a recipient of the 2025–26 SUSD Innovation Startup Grants, which will help fund essential tools and materials to support hands-on, interdisciplinary STEM projects that engage all learners as the project expands the school's Innovation Center into a school-wide hub where students design, build, and collaborate across subjects.

In this episode of the SUSD Spotlight Podcast, we’re celebrating an incredible accomplishment in our district athletics as we sit down with members of the 2025 State Champion Chaparral High School girls golf team. Joining us are standout players Isabel Helgemoe and Maryn Decreamer, whose performances, leadership, and dedication helped secure the state title and continue Chaparral’s tradition of excellence. We’ll talk about the journey to the championship, the teamwork behind their success, and what's next. 

In this episode of the SUSD Spotlight Podcast, we’re joined by Cherokee Elementary student Logan Treadwell and her mom, Bobbi, to share a journey that has touched countless lives in our community.
Since her Type 1 diabetes diagnosis, Logan has become a passionate advocate, educator, and source of inspiration for everyone affected by the disease. Together, Logan and Bobbi reflect on the challenges and triumphs that have shaped their path, and highlight Logan’s remarkable accomplishments, including her role as a keynote speaker at this year’s Breakthrough T1D Gala. 

In this episode of the SUSD Spotlight Podcast, we’re highlighting the substantial impact of Desert Mountain High School junior Siddhanth Gupta.
He successfully spearheaded the passage of an ordinance prohibiting the use of electronic cigarettes and vaping devices in public areas.
The ordinance was unanimously adopted by the Scottsdale City Council after more than a year of collaboration with council members, city staff, and leading public health organizations (including the American Cancer Society, the American Heart Association, and the American Lung Association).

In this episode of the SUSD Spotlight Podcast, we’re joined by Assistant Superintendent for Educational Services Lea Mitchell to talk about the second annual SUSD Education Expo, taking place on Wednesday, November 5 from 5:00 pm - 8:00 pm at Saguaro High School!
Learn how the Expo offers families from across the district and the Valley a one-stop opportunity to explore all SUSD schools and their specialized programs in a single location!

In this episode of the SUSD Spotlight Podcast, we’re joined by Dr. Christine Bonow, Assistant Superintendent for Elementary and K–8 schools, to talk about Kindergarten Round Up! Find out what families can expect at these welcoming events and how it helps parents and children feel prepared for that big first day. This episode is packed with helpful insights on making the transition to kindergarten smooth and memorable! Find the Kindergarten Round Up event closest to you at SUSD.org/Kinder.

In this episode of the SUSD Spotlight Podcast, we sit down with Sarah Kaufman, Senior Library Manager for Programs, Outreach, and Training at the Scottsdale Civic Center Library. She shares all the details about the library’s brand-new College & Career Corner, a free resource hub providing high school students with guidance, tools, and support as they prepare for college and future careers. Discover how this innovative space is helping students take the next step toward their goals!

In this episode of the SUSD Spotlight Podcast, we’re talking athletics! Joining us are two leaders who are shaping the future of sports across our district, new Athletic Director Stephen Cervantez, who stepped into the role after spending time as the AD at Desert Mountain, and District Athletic Coordinator James Pescatore. They discuss opportunities for student-athletes, what it takes to sustain championship programs, and how SUSD athletics prepares students for success on and off the field.