Scottsdale Unified School District

Congratulations to SUSD’s recently announced National Merit Scholars!

These exceptional students have earned one of the nation’s most prestigious academic honors through their outstanding achievement, leadership, and commitment to excellence.

Please join us in celebrating:

📍 Desert Mountain High School
• Lauren Howie
• Cassidy O. Veale
• Ayana Jain
• Lyla Yango

📍 Chaparral High School
• Michael Kahn
• Aditya Tyagi

We are incredibly proud of these students and the hard work, perseverance, and dedication that led to this achievement.

More National Merit Scholars from across SUSD will be announced in the coming weeks, and we look forward to recognizing even more outstanding student success stories.

At last week's Governing Board meeting, we were proud to recognize Desert Mountain High School graduate Sylvia Strelish for her outstanding service to SUSD students through her Girl Scout Gold Award project.

After identifying a need in special education classrooms, Sylvia designed and created sensory regulation quilts to support neurodivergent students and donated them to multiple schools. Through her creativity, perseverance, and commitment to helping others, she created resources that will positively impact students for years to come.

Sylvia's project is a wonderful example of leadership, compassion, and the power of one student making a difference in her community.

Congratulations, Sylvia, and thank you for your remarkable contribution to SUSD.

Following its award-winning run of Hadestown: Teen Edition, Chaparral students and director Andrew Foree were recognized at this week's Governing Board Meeting for earning top honors at both the ASU Gammage High School Musical Theatre Awards and the Cappies Awards.

The production captured Best Musical, Katerina Anderson earned Best Vocalist, and the technical theatre team was recognized for its outstanding set and props work, which even caught the attention of the Broadway production's company manager!

Congratulations to the entire Chaparral Theatre program on this incredible achievement and for showcasing the power of arts education at its very best!

Congratulations to the outstanding student mathematicians from Anasazi and Hopi Elementary Schools who were recognized at this week's Governing Board meeting for their success in the Continental Math League competition!

Competing against schools across Arizona and the nation, these students showcased exceptional problem-solving and critical thinking skills. Anasazi's fourth-grade team earned first place in Arizona, while Anasazi and Hopi tied for first place in fifth grade. Hopi students also captured top honors in second grade.

Way to go to all of our students, teachers, and families for this incredible achievement!

Saguaro High School's 2026 Graduating Class got one more member at Tuesday night's Governing Board Meeting as Mae Applegate Defiel was awarded with an honorary high school diploma.

In just a few weeks, Mae will celebrate her 100th birthday. When asked what she wanted most for this milestone, her answer was simple: a high school diploma.

Mae left high school in Cleveland during World War II to help support her family while her future husband served our country. Though she never had the opportunity to finish her high school education, she went on to build a life defined by hard work, service, and community impact, helping operate several Scottsdale-area restaurants and contributing to the community she has called home for more than 60 years.

On Tuesday night, that lifelong goal became a reality.

Congratulations, Mae, on this well-deserved honor. Happy early 100th birthday, and welcome to the Saguaro High School Class of 2026!

Fresh off their state championship season, the boys basketball team from Arcadia High School was recently honored at the Arizona State Capitol with a legislative proclamation recognizing their incredible achievement.

The team and cheerleaders visited the Capitol and were recognized by Arizona legislators and Carine Werner, who serves as both an Arizona State Senator and an SUSD Governing Board member.

Congratulations to these outstanding student athletes for their hard work and dedication throughout a championship season.

Our incredible SUSD Nutrition Services team is serving up more than 24,000 meals this summer as part of the USDA Summer Food Service Program, helping ensure kids have access to nutritious meals while school is out. 🍎☀️

These dedicated school lunch heroes work year-round to keep students fueled, focused, and ready to learn. Thank you to our Nutrition Services staff for making a difference in the lives of so many families every day!

Saguaro High School senior Alain Gomez-Gudiño has been named the 2025–26 Gatorade Arizona Baseball Player of the Year! ⚾

A key leader on Saguaro’s 4A State Championship team, Alain posted an impressive .455 batting average with six home runs and 35 RBIs this season while earning 4A State Title Game MVP honors.

His success extends beyond the field.

Alain maintained a 3.47 GPA, has signed to continue his baseball career at the University of South Carolina, and gives back to the community through his volunteer work with the Scottsdale Miracle League, which helps provide baseball opportunities for individuals with disabilities and special healthcare needs.

Congratulations, Alain! We’re proud of all you’ve accomplished and look forward to following your journey at the next level.

📷: Wynter Photography

Congratulations to SUSD’s recently announced National Merit Scholars! These outstanding students have demonstrated exceptional academic achievement, leadership, and dedication throughout their high school careers.

We are proud to recognize:
• Gavin Frindell and Aidan Primack from Chaparral High School
• Aarna Tanna from Desert Mountain High School
• Lydia Parks and Fiona Riley from Saguaro High School

More National Merit Scholars will be announced in the coming weeks, and we look forward to celebrating even more incredible student accomplishments across SUSD.