Spotlight Podcast - Scottsdale Unified School District 48
Archived: 2026-04-23 17:35
Spotlight Podcast - Scottsdale Unified School District 48
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Spotlight Podcast
SUSD is full of stars and each week we will
“Spotlight”
those people and programs making a difference.
This exciting venture is dedicated to bringing you inspiring human interest stories, celebrating the successes of our incredible students and staff, highlighting thriving community partnerships, and showcasing the lasting impact of our alumni.
"Spotlight" aims to capture the essence of the Scottsdale Unified School District, by sharing the stories that make our community unique.
Student Life at Arcadia High School
Mar
27
2026
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.
Inside the State Champion DM Football Program
Mar
20
2026
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.
DM Girls Swim and Dive: Dynasty in the Pool
Mar
13
2026
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.
CTE MONTH: CMAS at Arcadia High School
Mar
6
2026
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!
Scottsdale Family ArtsFest 2026
Feb
27
2026
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: Coding & Software Dev. at Arcadia
Feb
20
2026
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: Culinary at Chaparral
Feb
12
2026
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: Nursing at Saguaro
Feb
6
2026
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: Finance at Chaparral
Jan
30
2026
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.
CTE MONTH: Biotechnology at Saguaro
Jan
23
2026
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.
Podcast Ideas Form
Pitch Us Your Ideas
Human Interest Stories:
Dive into compelling narratives that showcase the resilience, determination, and achievements of individuals within our district.
Staff and Student Success:
Hear firsthand accounts of the accomplishments and milestones reached by our outstanding staff and students, both in and outside the classroom.
Community Partnerships:
Explore dynamic collaborations that strengthen our ties with the community, fostering an environment where everyone plays a role in the success of our students.
Legacy of Success:
Learn about the journeys of our distinguished alumni who continue to make a positive impact in our community and the lives of current students.
All
Anasazi-Story
Arcadia-Story
Arts-News
Chaparral-Story
Cherokee-Story
Cheyenne-Story
Cocopah-Story
Copper-Ridge-Story
Coronado-Story
CTE-Biotechnology
CTE-CMAS
CTE-Coding-Software-Development
CTE-Culinary-Arts
CTE-Finance
CTE-Nursing
CTE-Spotlight
DCES-Story
Desert-Mountain-Story
District-News
District-Story
dmhs-story
Echo-canyon-story
Elementary-Story
High-School-News
High-School-Story
Hohokam-Story
Ingleside-Story
Kiva-Story
Laguna-Story
Middle-School-Story
mohave-story
Pima-Story
Redfield-Story
Saguaro-Story
Scottsdale-Online-Story
Sequoya-Story
Spotlight Podcast
Student Advisory Board
SUSD Transportation
Tavan-Story
Tonalea-Story
Yavapai-Story
Skip To Main Content
Spotlight Podcast
SUSD is full of stars and each week we will
“Spotlight”
those people and programs making a difference.
This exciting venture is dedicated to bringing you inspiring human interest stories, celebrating the successes of our incredible students and staff, highlighting thriving community partnerships, and showcasing the lasting impact of our alumni.
"Spotlight" aims to capture the essence of the Scottsdale Unified School District, by sharing the stories that make our community unique.
Student Life at Arcadia High School
Mar
27
2026
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.
Inside the State Champion DM Football Program
Mar
20
2026
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.
DM Girls Swim and Dive: Dynasty in the Pool
Mar
13
2026
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.
CTE MONTH: CMAS at Arcadia High School
Mar
6
2026
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!
Scottsdale Family ArtsFest 2026
Feb
27
2026
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: Coding & Software Dev. at Arcadia
Feb
20
2026
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: Culinary at Chaparral
Feb
12
2026
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: Nursing at Saguaro
Feb
6
2026
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: Finance at Chaparral
Jan
30
2026
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.
CTE MONTH: Biotechnology at Saguaro
Jan
23
2026
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.
Podcast Ideas Form
Pitch Us Your Ideas
Human Interest Stories:
Dive into compelling narratives that showcase the resilience, determination, and achievements of individuals within our district.
Staff and Student Success:
Hear firsthand accounts of the accomplishments and milestones reached by our outstanding staff and students, both in and outside the classroom.
Community Partnerships:
Explore dynamic collaborations that strengthen our ties with the community, fostering an environment where everyone plays a role in the success of our students.
Legacy of Success:
Learn about the journeys of our distinguished alumni who continue to make a positive impact in our community and the lives of current students.
All
Anasazi-Story
Arcadia-Story
Arts-News
Chaparral-Story
Cherokee-Story
Cheyenne-Story
Cocopah-Story
Copper-Ridge-Story
Coronado-Story
CTE-Biotechnology
CTE-CMAS
CTE-Coding-Software-Development
CTE-Culinary-Arts
CTE-Finance
CTE-Nursing
CTE-Spotlight
DCES-Story
Desert-Mountain-Story
District-News
District-Story
dmhs-story
Echo-canyon-story
Elementary-Story
High-School-News
High-School-Story
Hohokam-Story
Ingleside-Story
Kiva-Story
Laguna-Story
Middle-School-Story
mohave-story
Pima-Story
Redfield-Story
Saguaro-Story
Scottsdale-Online-Story
Sequoya-Story
Spotlight Podcast
Student Advisory Board
SUSD Transportation
Tavan-Story
Tonalea-Story
Yavapai-Story