SUSD Spotlight

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.

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, 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.