Community Echoes

 As a major step towards addressing the needs of those with disabilities, the Nogales City Council voted to establish the Commission on Disability Issues (CODI) on April 2, 2025. As part of Ordinance O2025-04-003, the new advisory body was created to facilitate a rapport between the city government and the disability community, as well as to advocate for changes in policies.

Members of the CODI will include representatives of the Arizona Developmental Disabilities Planning Council, the Office of Individual and Family Affairs, and the Mariposa Community Health Center. The commission advises the mayor and council on disability-related concerns, promotes public awareness, and collaborates with local agencies. Michelle Ramirez, a recognized advocate for the autism community and recipient of the Good Samaritan Award, was appointed chairwoman.

The ordinance, which takes effect 30 days after adoption, also outlines CODI’s operational framework, including term limits, meeting protocols, and financial authority limitations. The council emphasized the commission’s role in fostering inclusivity, with Mayor Jorge Maldonado calling it a “critical step toward a more accessible Nogales.”

The meeting also featured recognitions for the Nogales High School Jazz Band and discussions on liquor licenses, cell tower leases, and budgetary approvals. This reflects a broad agenda aimed at community development and governance.

For further details, contact: Michelle Renee Ramirez, Behavioral Health Technician/

Mariposa Community Health Center

miramirez@mariposachc.net

(520) 281-1550 EXT. 1537

The holiday season is a time for kindness, generosity and community spirit. In Santa Cruz County, a heartwarming initiative brought joy to our elderly population, showcasing the power of collaboration and compassion.

On Thursday, December 19th, local organizations joined forces to distribute "care boxes" filled with essential items and treats to those in need. South 32, Croppers, CSL Plasma, City of Nogales, NHS Community Club, NCD, Borderlands Food Bank, Nogales Housing Authority and Making Connections 4U contributed generously.

The donated items included warm gloves and scarves, cozy blankets, delicious treats, beanies and nutritious food and beverages. These organizations worked tirelessly to create memorable experiences for the elderly community. Volunteers assembled care boxes, prepared nutritious meals and spent quality time with seniors.

Distribution took place across the Nogales Housing Authority and Bowman Senior Center. Maritza Cervantes and her staff facilitated logistics, while Sonia Ramirez's NHS Community Club assisted in spreading cheer.

We extend special thanks to Sandra Moraga from South 32, Kalani and Carl Krause from Croppers, Judith Armendariz and Mayor Jorge Maldonado from City of Nogales, Clariza Gastelum from NCD, Zaida Bustamante from Arizona@Work and Yolanda Soto from Borderlands Food Bank. Their dedication embodies the true spirit of community service.

This initiative demonstrates the impact of collective efforts in enriching the lives of our elderly neighbors. As we celebrate the holiday season, let us remember the importance of caring for those who have shaped our community.

Kudos to the unsung heroes making a difference in Santa Cruz County!

The Santa Cruz County Fair 2024 once again dazzled participants with remarkable entries of livestock, artwork, and exciting events!  Held at the Sonoita Fairgrounds from September 13th through the 15th, the theme for this year was “From Farm to Fair:  A Celebration of Agriculture.”  For many years now, the office of the Santa Cruz County School Superintendent, Alfredo I. Velásquez, has been responsible for collecting artwork from the schools, displaying the pieces, and coordinating the judging.  This year was no exception.  With Mrs. Patricia B. Preciado overseeing the event and members of the superintendent’s team, hundreds of pieces of artwork were categorized and prominently displayed.  Judges painstakingly scored the work following an outlined rubric.  The judges were selected from all areas of the community and included school administrators.  Entries were submitted from all districts, private, and charter schools across the county.  The student artwork this year correlated beautifully with the theme.  Visitors to the hall were amazed at the wide variety of artwork and the exceptional talent of the students in Santa Cruz County!

For more information of the list of judges and Best In Show Winners, please contact Mrs. Patricia B. Preciado at (520) 375-7940.

As we reflect on the rich history of the Jump Back 2 School Event, it is essential to acknowledge the profound impact it has had on the lives of countless students over the years. This event was first sparked by Safeway, who recognized the need to support families and students in our community. From providing essential school supplies to offering information and guidance to parents, this event has played a pivotal role in ensuring our students' success and well-being.

Over the past 12 years, the Jump Back 2 School event has grown and evolved. This is thanks to the generous contributions and active participation of numerous organizations in our community. Our NUSD partners, ranging from local businesses to non-profit organizations, have exhibited a deep commitment to our students, embodying collaboration and community support.

By partnering with community leaders and local organizations, Safeway helped to bring the event to life when it was launched in 2012. Safeway also provided significant financial support at that time. In addition, they provided volunteers to assist in making the event a success. Due to the commitment and support of our community partners, Jump Back 2 School continues to thrive. Thank you to all those organizations who made this event such a success.

Their ongoing support and commitment help shape our students' future. In celebration of this significant milestone, we look forward to continuing collaboration and partnership with our community organizations. This will empower and inspire the next generation of learners. Together, we will provide the resources and opportunities needed to thrive academically.

The Jump Back 2 School Planning Committee would like to thank all the organizations that participated in the Jump Back 2 School event. Your participation and support will help to prepare our students for the new school year.

Santa Cruz County School Superintendent's Office

Making Connections 4U

Border Eco

Odyssey Services Corp

Board of Supervisors

Justice of Peace

Children’s Advocacy Center of Southern Arizona

Pinal Hispanic Council

Arizona@Work

NHS Hall of Fame

Women’s Club

Taekwondo Academy

South 32

Cropper’s

Banner Health 

Santa Cruz County Recorder’s Office

Santa Cruz County Health Services

Santa Cruz Council Aging

Community Food Bank-Nogales Resource Center

SEAHEC

CSL Plasma

University of Arizona Cooperative Extension

Cricket Wireless

Nogales Fire Department

Circles of Peace

Mariposa Community Health Center

Nogales Public Library

City of Nogales

Santa Cruz County Sheriff

Nogales Police Department

U.S. Customs & Border Protection

Boys & Girls Club of Santa Cruz County

Consulado General de México

JcPenney

UA Center for Rural Health

Lawyers Title/Neighborhood Loans

 United Churches Fellowship

Red Hat Ladies-Maria A Privette 

Jesus M. Cordova Memorial Foundation

 Women's Health Coalition of A 

 1st Bank of Yuma

The Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District No. 35 recently celebrated its 15th Annual Back-to-School Blitz, an event that provided essential resources to over 500 students in the district. The event took place at Calabasas School and included free backpacks, spirit shirts, school supplies, haircuts from All About Hair Etc Salon, and lunches from Sodexo Food Services for all students and their siblings. The Back-to-School Blitz was successful through various organizations and donations. 

Our partners included All About Hair Etc, AZ DPS, Big5 Sporting Goods, Family Resource Center in Rio Rico, Children's Advocacy Center, Circles of Peace, Customs and Border Protection Nogales Port, El Taller Drawing and Painting LLC, Girls Scouts of Southern Arizona, International Taekwondo Academy, Mariposa Community Health Services, Mariposa Community Platicamos Salud, Mediacom, Nogales/Rio Rico SCC Public Library, PEPP/NFJP, Peter Piper Pizza, Rio Rico Fire Department, Rio Rico Rotary, Rich River Athletics, Santa Cruz Cardinals, Santa Cruz County WIOA Arizona @ Work, Santa Cruz County Superintendent’s Office, SCC Sheriff’s Office, SCC Emergency Management, SCC Justice of the Peace Mr. Lopez, SCC Voter Registration, Smile Dental, Sodexo Food Services, South32, Tubac Fire District, UniSource, University of Arizona Cooperative Extension-SCC, whose unwavering support and commitment to education helped ensure the event's success. The support from these organizations helped the event succeed. 

Angie Lopez, Blitz Coordinator of Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District No. 35, expressed immense gratitude towards the community partners and volunteers who made the event impactful for the students.  We are especially thankful to John Fanning, Melisa Lunderville, Rebekah Cabrera, Stephen Schadler, Sonia Gutierrez, Blanca Vega, Maria Rivera, Monique Quiroz, Pablo Ramos, Calabasas School, Coatimundi Middle School, Mt. View Elementary School, Rio Rico High School, San Cayetano Elementary School, Sodexo Facilities, Jessica Gonzalez, Samantha De La Cerda, and our wonderful Parent Liaisons Yara Sanchez, Mauren Figueroa, Michelle Myers, Briana Rodriguez, and Maria Peña. Their generosity has made a significant difference in the lives of over 500 students. 

The event also showed appreciation to vendors by providing snack boxes. The collaborative spirit and generosity displayed by all involved truly exemplify community support. Special thanks were extended to individuals and schools who contributed to the success of the event. The Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District No. 35 is committed to continuing this tradition of giving back to the community and supporting students in their educational journey.

For more information about the Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District No. 35 and its initiatives, please visit scv35.org 

Contact: Angie Lopez, Blitz Coordinator  alopez@scv35.org   (520)375-8261

The Rotary Club of Nogales extends our sincere gratitude to Santa Cruz County Attorney, George Silva, for his invaluable support as the main sponsor of the 8th Public Safety Awards Ceremony which was held on June 7th. We are truly thankful for his generous contribution that made this event outstanding.
At the ceremony, we recognized twelve public service agencies in Santa Cruz County, with each agency selecting an outstanding agent who has made significant contributions to our community. It was a heartwarming moment to see these deserving individuals receive recognition from their peers and the community at large. Participating agencies were: Arizona Nogales Ranger Division, Nogales Fire Department, Nogales Police Department, Rio Rico Fire District, Santa Cruz County Attorney's Office, Santa Cruz County Sheriff's Department, Sonoita-Elgin Fire District, Tubac Fire District, US Customs and Border Protection, US Border Patrol, and US Immigration and Customs Enforcement/Homeland Security Investigations.
Rotary also thanks the local organizations and individuals who supported this event. This year, our sponsors included:
Diamond: Santa Cruz County Attorney's, George Silva, First Interstate Bank, South32, and 1st Yuma Bank
Platinum: Cropper's Nogales Auto Center, Mariposa Community Health Center, Santa Cruz County School Superintendent, Alfredo I. Velasquez, US Custom Brokers Association, Valencia International
Gold: Alex Tires, Arizona Trailer Depot Sales, Home Depot, Horne Ford of Nogales, Trade Logistics Solutions, Union Builders
Furthermore, we would like to extend our appreciation to all the local businesses that contributed by donating items and certificates for door prizes and raffles. Your support added an extra layer of excitement to the event and significantly contributed to its overall success. Thank you: Your generosity has helped us recognize and honor those who serve our community with dedication and selflessness.
We look forward to continuing our partnership with you and hope for your support in 2025.
Special thanks to Rotarian Jose Valencia for his support of the Public Safety Officer Awards over the years.

First Vibrant Vibes Spring Fling success prompts to make it an annual celebration. 

Crowds of people gathered on Pierson Field Saturday, April 20th to celebrate the Vibrant Vibes Spring Fling, a community event filled with food trucks, vendors, local bands and fun for the whole family. 

The Vibrant Vibes Spring Fling is the passion project of Santa Cruz County School Superintendent Alfredo I. Velásquez and City of Nogales Parks & Recreation Director Renee Travers. 

“Since I started at Parks and Recreation, I wanted to get an event like this going… Mr. Velasquez had a similar vision, and thus we collaborated on the project,” Travers said. 

Originally conceived as a car show featuring local car club Truck AZ and few local vendors, Travers brought the project over to Superintendent Velasquez, whom saw the event as an opportunity to bring the community together and provide a small taste of everything Nogales has to offer. 

Early Saturday morning, beneath the already-warm spring sun, volunteers and vendors descended onto Pierson Field to assemble booths, which ranged from handcrafted items such as soaps, candles and coquettish bows, to art activities like rock painting and open art classes hosted by local art organizations like Hilltop Gallery, La Linea Art Studio and Border Youth Tennis Exchange.

“The event was a great opportunity for families and kids to gather, enjoy music, food and create art,” said Lorena Tanori, a wellness counselor with the Promoting Healthy Students Initiative in Mr. Velásquez’s office.

Tanori had two large blank canvases where anyone could paint and express themselves.

“There are no rules paint whatever your heart desires,” she instructed the crowd around her. “It was a great turnout! Kids had fun and even the adults wanted to paint,” she said. 

By late afternoon the celebration was in full swing. Children of all ages sprayed each other with silly string and tirelessly jumped through an inflatable obstacle course in the middle of the field.

Families and friends mingled and gallivanted throughout the park; the deliciously enticing aroma from the surrounding food trucks had more than one person saying “whatever it is it smells amazing.” 

Throughout the Spring Fling festivities, attendees were treated to the musical delights of local bands Springs of Iris, Distorted and Venetian Blinds. As well as solo performances by Dorian Moore, Isang, and Mario Gaxiola. 

“It was so awesome getting to see the people of Santa Cruz County of all different ages together and just enjoying the day out,” Gaxiola said. “Getting to be a part of it and playing music for the people of my hometown was something special. Hopefully we all get to do it again next year.”

Entertainment also included performances by Mariachi Penumbra, Ballet Folklórico from Mexicayotl and the Nogales High School drumline, as well as DJ Valeria Tapia of Valeria’s Entertainment & Karaoke.

As the sun began to set, the Vibrant Vibes became much more apparent as children showed off their light up swords and gadgets. Some were drawn closer to the stage by the brightly multicolored light show as Venetian Blinds enticed people to dance cumbias. Others took refuge from the dark with the warm light of the literacy bus, which had beanbags and a wide collection of books available for all ages. 

“The reality was much better than anticipated,” said Travers. “This event was a first annual and we have already had many vendors, musicians and car clubs commit to being part of it next year.”

The Santa Cruz County School Superintendent's Office wishes to thank the City of Nogales, the Rotary Club of Nogales, NUSD #1, Unisource, South 32, Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona, Villa’s Market, Garrett’s, and Truck AZ. Without the sponsorships of local business this event would not have been possible.

On Sunday October 1, 2023, Santa Cruz County families with children and loved ones with Down syndrome, their friends, neighbors and community members kick off the national Down syndrome awareness month attending their 5th annual Walk for Down syndrome in Nogales Arizona. A chromosomal disorder known as Down syndrome causes developmental delays in the United States. The first Down syndrome walk took place in Nogales Arizona in 2017. The Santa Cruz Parent Love Connection, a support and advocacy system for families raising children with special needs in Santa Cruz County, organizes Walk for Down syndrome Nogales Arizona.

As per the National Down syndrome Society, in the United States, one baby out of 700 born has Down syndrome every year. The number of people with Down syndrome is on the rise because they are no longer institutionalized and there has been a significant improvement in specialized medical care for people with Down syndrome.

There were 255 people who attended the Turley Park walk event, which was decorated with pumpkins, fall color balloons, and an arch and pillars. The colors for the event were orange, yellow, green, and blue. 

During the Walk for Down syndrome, which began at 10am, Samantha Orozco gave an opening prayer and then invited a dozen community exhibitors to present their services to the disability community of our county. In addition to the Nogales Public Library, Maritza Lynn, and Nogales Arizona Fire and Police Department, the Girl's Scouts of Southern Arizona also exhibited. Ms. Judith Mendoza, Director of Student Services for the Nogales Arizona School District, was introduced as a Grand Marshal to the crowd. There were also officials from the Nogales Arizona government in attendance at the event. 

Several members of our community helped us with registration, set-up, decorations, free bottled water, and giving out prizes to all children, according to Maria Scholnick, Program Director. Be Kind posters were created by Nogales High School's National Honor Society and JROTC, and were handed out during the walk to the audience. “During the event, children played many games, a photo booth featured the fall season, food trucks fed the crowd, and a DJ provided music. Mariachi Plata played beautifully for 30 minutes, and people sang and danced happily."

At 1;30 pm at the sound of the music people lined up and held up the Be Kind posters and their children's pictures while walking around the park. Young and adults' people with Down syndrome performed dances and karate for the audience. People with Down syndrome took part giving awards to people who have made a difference in the lives of people living with Down syndrome in our community.

Nestled in the beautiful Santa Cruz County, the Santa Cruz County Fair was a hotspot for entertainment and good times.The Santa Cruz County Fair, held September 15-17 at the Santa Cruz County Fairgrounds, provided a variety of attractions and activities for all ages. This annual event showcased the best of Santa Cruz County, from thrilling carnival rides to mesmerizing live performances, from agricultural exhibits to student art exhibits to mouthwatering culinary delights. Guests seeking to explore the region's diverse offerings were treated to a spectacular event at the Santa Cruz County Fair, with entertainment, competition, and community spirit. 

The Santa Cruz County Fair showcased a variety of attractions and activities for attendees to enjoy. It offered a wide variety of exhibits and shows that appealed to all interests. From the noblest horses to the fluffiest sheep, livestock enthusiasts had an opportunity to marvel at the spectacular competitions.Student art exhibits were a highlight of the fair, which were meticulously organized by the superintendent's office. Under the guidance of Mr. Alfredo Velásquez, the office has been responsible for curating and showcasing the exceptional art created by talented students from the County Fair event.

The schools within Santa Cruz County that participated in the art exhibits include: Nogales Unified School District #1, Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District #35, Santa Cruz District #28, and the Sonoita District #25. Additionally, Mexicayotl Charter School, Colegio Petite, Patagonia Montessori School, Montessori de Santa Cruz, Lourdes Catholic School, and Sacred Heart of Jesus School also participated in the exhibits. 

List of Judges:

Rebecca Mendoza

Oscar Islas

Emma Ross

Cynthia Matus-Morriss

Analizabeth Doan

Cynthia Grimm

Mrs. McCullough

Zulema Lozano

Francisco Padilla

Caleb Wagner

Dr. Marcelino Varona

Mayra Zuniga

Angel Canto

Jennifer Arguyos

Bobby Acuna

Marta Valenzuela

Judith Mendoza

Berenice Arrellano

Ruby Molera

Luis Preciado

Dr. Melissa Lunderville

Monique Magallanos

Maya Donnelly

Kerri Munoz

Yolanda Kory

Angel Aguilar

In the year 2014, the Santa Cruz County Arizona@Work, a dedicated organization committed to providing employment opportunities, took the initiative to organize a remarkable event known as the Job Fair. This event, which aimed to connect job seekers with potential employers, was initially held in the spacious parking lot of the Arizona@Work Job Center. 

As the years went by, the Job Fair experienced an extraordinary surge in popularity, attracting an ever-growing number of participants. The overwhelming response from both job seekers and employers necessitated a change in venue to accommodate the expanding horizons of this remarkable event. Thus, the Santa Cruz Provisional College Building became the new home for the Job Fair, providing a more suitable and spacious environment for all involved.

However, the success of the Job Fair did not stop there. The event continued to flourish, drawing in an even larger crowd year after year. The demand for a venue that could accommodate the ever-increasing number of attendees became apparent. In response to this growing need, the organizers made the bold decision to relocate the Job Fair once again, this time to the prestigious Nogales High School Gymnasium.

The Nogales High School Gymnasium, with its grandeur and ample space, proved to be the perfect setting for the Job Fair. Its state-of-the-art facilities and convenient location made it an ideal choice for both job seekers and employers alike. The spaciousness of the gymnasium allowed for a multitude of booths and exhibits, providing a vibrant and bustling atmosphere that truly captured the essence of the Job Fair. Pandemic conditions forced them to suspend these activities until 2022.

“We are now excited to make a return, with a strong commitment to delivering an even more impactful event. In order to connect local employers with job seekers who may not be aware of the available employment opportunities in the area, our main goal is to bring employers and job seekers together. Through our efforts to facilitate these vital connections within our community and help return to a sense of normalcy, we are committed to contributing to the recovery of the workforce,” said Irasema Olvera, WIOA Director.

In a remarkable display of dedication, Santa Cruz County Arizona@Work has truly outdone themselves this year. Not content with simply organizing an event, they have gone above and beyond by providing free bus transportation from various locations. This thoughtful gesture allows attendees to effortlessly navigate the beautiful Santa Cruz County, taking full advantage of the diverse range of opportunities that await them. By removing the potential barriers of transportation, Santa Cruz County Arizona@Work demonstrates their unwavering commitment to ensuring a seamless and enjoyable experience for all attendees. With this generous provision, they enable individuals to fully immerse themselves in the event, allowing them to explore and discover new and exciting opportunities with ease and convenience.

In conclusion, what began as a humble gathering in the parking lot of the Arizona@Work Job Center has now blossomed into a grand event held at the esteemed Nogales High School Gymnasium. The Job Fair, with its remarkable growth and unwavering popularity, continues to serve as a beacon of hope and opportunity for job seekers and employers in the Santa Cruz County community.

The Day of the Dead event in Tubac has quickly become a beloved tradition for both locals and visitors alike. Inspired by the rich cultural heritage of Mexico's Dia de los Muertos, this event aims to honor and celebrate the lives of loved ones who have passed away.

Since its inception in 2014, the event has grown in popularity, attracting people from all over the region. 

In 2014, a group of 5 Tubac business owners and community leaders initiated the event.

Wisdom's Cafe - Celeste Wisdom; Casa Maya of Mexico - Gaby Centeno; Art of Beauty Salon - Donna Dowodzenka; The K Newby Gallery & Sculpture Garden - Kim Roseman;Tubac Presidio State Historic Park Executive Director Shannon Stone

The five Tubac business owners and community leaders who initiated the event had a vision of showcasing the town's vibrant arts scene while also paying homage to the Day of the Dead traditions. During this annual celebration, Tubac transforms into a lively hub of activity. The streets are adorned with colorful decorations, including intricate altars and vibrant papel picado banners. Visitors can explore numerous art galleries that feature unique Day of the Dead-inspired artwork created by local artists.

In addition to art exhibitions, there are also various workshops and demonstrations where attendees can learn about traditional Mexican crafts such as sugar skull decorating or making papel picado. As part of these festivities, mariachi bands and traditional folk dancers will perform live music. Food stalls line the streets, offering delicious Mexican cuisine like tamales, churros, and pan de muerto, a sweet bread traditionally enjoyed during this holiday. 

"It was a lovely event and we were so pleased that we could share and educate about the cultural customs of Dia de los Muertos with locals as well as people who are not originally from Southern Arizona. It was a great experience that everyone loved, so it continued and grew," said Kim Roseman from K Newby Gallery & Sculpture Garden. 

Families and friends gather at cemeteries to honor their loved ones, decorating graves with marigolds and lighting candles to guide their spirits back to the world of the living. The Day of the Dead celebrations are not only a vibrant display of Mexican culture but also a time for reflection and remembrance. It is a beautiful way to honor and celebrate the lives of those who have passed, creating a sense of unity and connection between the living and the deceased.

Over the years, the Mariachi Apache have become an integral part of the event. Their lively performances during the procession have captivated both locals and visitors alike. The enchanting melodies and rhythmic beats echo through the streets, infusing a sense of joy and celebration into the air.

As they march alongside the Nogales High School Marching Band, their harmonious blend of traditional Mexican folk music and contemporary tunes creates a unique fusion that resonates with people from all walks of life. The combination of brass instruments, guitars, violins, and powerful vocals creates a symphony that brings smiles to faces and evokes a deep appreciation for cultural diversity.

The mini-concert held at the finale in the sculpture garden has become a highly anticipated event in the community. People gather from far and wide to witness the mesmerizing performance that showcases the rich heritage and artistic talent of the Nogales High School Marching Band. 

As the music fills the air, it transcends language barriers and unites people in a shared experience of pure joy and admiration. The infectious energy of the band members radiates through their passionate playing, captivating the audience and leaving them in awe. The fusion of traditional Mexican folk music with contemporary tunes not only showcases the band's versatility but also serves as a reminder of the importance of embracing cultural diversity. It is a testament to the power of music to bridge gaps and foster a sense of unity among people of different backgrounds. 

The mini-concert not only entertains but also educates, as the band members take the opportunity to share the stories and meanings behind the songs they perform. This adds an extra layer of depth and appreciation for the music, allowing the audience to connect on a deeper level with the cultural significance of each piece.

Overall, the mini-concert by the Nogales High School Marching Band in the sculpture garden is a celebration of music, culture, and community. It is a testament to the band's talent and dedication, as well as a reminder of the power of music to bring people together and create lasting memories.

"We're looking for vendors, food trucks, or face painters to be part of this event. Contact the committee if you're interested in participating. We have partnered with the Nogales Dia de Los Muertos Altar Tour for the past few years and you'll find over 20 altars throughout the village. We invite everyone to join us in the procession and walk with us to the finale in the sculpture garden," said Roseman.

 This event took place on March 21, 2023. at 5 p.m. at Nogales City Hall, 777 North Grand Avenue, in Nogales, Arizona.

The event was supported by the Mayor of Nogales Arizona Jorge Maldonado and his City Council members, and many families raising children with Down syndrome from our Santa Cruz County community gathered to celebrate this one day we have a chance to make change.

On World Down Syndrome Day, the Santa Cruz Parent Connection celebrated the lives and achievements of people with Down syndrome. They also discussed the importance of providing them with equal opportunities and support.

A brief explanation was given of the significance of March 21st, the date on which World Down Syndrome Day is celebrated. A number of parents, siblings, and advocates spoke about the joy and love that people with Down syndrome bring into their lives.

The father of a child with Down syndrome stressed the importance of treating them with dignity and respect. We shouldn't pity them, he said, because they are human beings first. We need more recreational programs for children with Down syndrome in our community, according to a sibling. According to her, these programs will help them develop their social skills and have fun.

Also speaking was Mayor Maldonado, who discussed the importance of advocating for people with Down syndrome. The same opportunities should be available to them as to everyone else, he said.

The World Down Syndrome Day celebration wouldn't be possible without the support of everyone who attended. Maria Scholnick, Program Director from Santa Cruz Parent Connection, said that the event aims to increase awareness and promote understanding and acceptance of Down syndrome.

Santa Cruz Parent Love Connection awarded a certificate of appreciation to the Santa Cruz County Public Library staff for being the most supportive organization for the Down syndrome community. They presented them with a certificate of appreciation. It was organized by the Santa Cruz Parent Love Connection, Nogales Arizona councilwoman Liza Montiel, and Mayor Maldonado staffer Judith Armendariz.

Santa Cruz Parent Love Connection provides support and advocacy to parents of children with Down syndrome and other special needs. Please contact Maria Scholnick (520) 470-5833 or visit SCPLC on Facebook.

Rio Rico High School Student Council received the Outstanding Council with Distinction at the January 2023 Arizona Association of Student Councils State Convention hosted by Mohave High School in Bullhead City, Arizona.  

“The award was created as a standard for what an exceptional council should be doing on campus and for their community,” said Joseph Scott, Rio Rico High School teacher, and Student Council advisor.

Student councils must submit a digital scrapbook or video of their work in their school including accomplishments and budget information.  The applications submitted are reviewed by the AASC Board which consists of 9 adults and 4 students from across the state.  

Some of the things the council believes make them an outstanding council include their display of leadership, community service, and activities that emphasize the inclusion of marginalized groups.  

Some of their examples of these accomplishments include the addition of the Campus Cabinet which is comprised of presidents from all the school’s clubs to improve communication, the RRHS Homecoming activities involving students and families from across all district school sites, and creating thank you posters signed and delivered to teachers during teacher appreciation week. The focus of inclusion across campus and within the community certainly stood out. 

In addition to the RRHS STUCO rating, Rio Rico High School Principal Hector Estrada was named the Administrator of the Year for the Arizona Association of Student Councils (AASC).  

Rio Rico High School Principal Hector Estrada was named the Administrator of the Year for the Arizona Association of Student Councils (AASC) at the January 2023 AASC State Convention hosted by Mohave High School in Bullhead City, Arizona.

The AASC State Convention is an annual event that recognizes the accomplishments of student councils, students, advisors, and administrators.  The administrator of the year is selected based on their encouragement of the democratic process, citizenship service, idea exchange, and problem-solving among their student body.  

RRHS senior Kazandra Navarro nominated Principal Estrada for the award.  “Throughout his time here at RRHS, he has cultivated a student-oriented atmosphere. He always says ‘This is your school, I just work here’. This goes to show that he is building a culture at RRHS that empowers its students,” she explained in her nomination letter. 

She also listed Estrada’s addition of a student senate as an effective tool for giving students a voice.  She said RRHS is, “a place where people amongst different groups on campus meet to discuss improvements for the school. This is a place for students to make their voices heard. We try to find solutions to issues, and we implement new ideas.”  

Estrada’s pursuit of student equity was also listed as a major reason for her nomination.  “He is huge on equity at our school. He understands that not every student has the same access to resources and opportunities outside of school; therefore, he is striving to create an equitable environment.” Navarro wrote.

RRHS All Student Body  President Paulette Ledezman also wrote a letter of nomination for Principal Estrada.  In her letter, she wrote about the impact the principal has had on the school, and particularly her own school career while at RRHS.  She wrote Estrada “is such a kind and caring administrator and goes the extra mile for each individual student and always being the “Estrella” lighting up the room.”

Assistant Superintendent Melisa Lunderville supported the student nominations by saying.  “I have yet to work with a more student-centered and hard-working Principal than Mr. Estrada. He clearly understands the importance of developing relationships and the impacts that those relationships can have on the culture of your school.”

In addition to Estrada’s award, the Rio Rico High School Student Council was also named Outstanding Council with Distinction which is the highest honor received by Arizona student councils. 

Hector Estrada joined Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District No. 35 (SCV35) in 2019 as principal of Rio Rico High School. 

Rio Rico High School Agriscience teacher Richard McPherson has been invited to present at several national iCEV Career and Technical Education (CTE) conventions for education and industry leaders about drone education.  iCEV is an online resource for CTE educators to help prepare students of all ages for industry certifications in several CTE programs.

Mr. McPherson teaches a class at Rio Rico High School on flying drones.  In addition to teaching students, he has written lesson plans, papers, and journal articles on the subject, presented at workshops and contributed to iCEV’s published curriculum.  To date, he has instructed and certified 30 pilots in 15 states for their FAA Part 137 operations. 

In 2022, Clayton Franklin, Chief Product Officer, iCEV contacted McPherson to present at several conferences across the U.S.  His most recent presentation was in November and December for the National Association of Agricultural Educators and the Association of Career Technical Educators, both of which were held in Las Vegas, Nevada.

McPherson presented to teachers and administrators of CTE-Agriscience, Law Enforcement and Fire & Safety, Mining, TV & Film, Photography, Engineering, and Business programs on how to incorporate iCEV’s new curriculum into their CTE programs.

“I want to help prepare today’s students for careers that utilize drones. It is important for students to learn the basics of drones, how to fly drones, and prepare for commercial certification. iCEV is excited about the brand-new drone curriculum which includes drone theory, design, flight skills, and remote pilot preparation.” 

Mr. McPherson is scheduled to present in Arizona, California, and Missouri in 2023.

County School Superintendent Alfredo Velasquez’ office is offering “Books Save Lives” training by Daphne Russell of bookssavelives.org and author of “Read or Die”. During the first round of training (4 sessions) sixty people throughout the County signed up. Participants are directors, teachers, paraprofessionals, librarians, library aides, middle school Gear Up career/college coaches, In-School Suspension staff, parent educators for children from birth to four year olds, preschool teachers, those working in behavioral sciences and many are parents who are taking these ideas home and motivating their own children to become better readers. The focus of the training is to connect young people to books that will motivate them to continue reading, increase their vocabulary, make connections and expand their perspective of the world around them, near and far.

Hundreds of books have been purchased for the training as examples of what Ms. Russell considers ‘good books’ for young people at any age. She suggests we introduce resistant readers to books they can relate to with a sense of place (in this case Santa Cruz County) and known experiences (the International border, rural life, multiculturalism) books written by authors with young people in mind and written by authors who share their personal experiences.

One of the participants brought her 7th grade daughter that has average grades and has NEVER finished a book on her own. She loves to read but has had difficulty keeping her focus to finish books when starting them and her 9th grade son who only remembers ever reading “The Cat in the Hat” independently. He was a tougher customer because he broke his leg and had do to attend online schooling. He understands that, if he could become a better reader, his options would increase. By the end of Daphne working with the daughter, she completed her first book ...it was powerful. Her son’s attitude towards himself and reading shifted to a bit more productive level. Later, I received a communication from the mother saying her daughter is now completing other books and her son read has read two books and has convinced his friends to read them. The goal of the BSL training is to become a literacy coach, in this case this young man is becoming a literacy coach. According to Ms. Russell, if we use her techniques for supporting resistant readers and help them choose books they know

the words to and can connect to, once they have read three or more books independently, they become readers themselves.

The first training session was held at the Nogales Public Library since the City of Nogales Public Library Director Danitza Lopez is an important part of the program. Our crowd was so large that we had to move onto a bigger venue.

Next semester the training will be held on Saturdays January 21 and 28, and February 4 and 11 from 8 am to 12 noon. After attending the four sessions of the training, participants will get $200 in books for their classrooms, school library or agency.

If you have any questions, please contact Anne Doan at adoan@santacruzcountyaz.gov

 The Gear Up Program held the 2nd Annual Thrive Fest at Pierson Field on Saturday, October 1st, 2022 from 9:00 am - 12:00 pm for all Santa Cruz County students and families. Gear Up is a college and career readiness grant program in the office of Mr. Alfredo Velásquez, Santa Cruz County School Superintendent,  that offers awareness and resources for post-secondary education. On Saturday, 45 community organizations, local businesses, non-profit groups, and school clubs set up booths to provide information and materials on mental health, higher education, law enforcement, health services, entrepreneurship, volunteer work, workforce development, arts, extra-curricular activities, and community resources. In addition to serving free water and finitos, Gear Up volunteers organized gardening, face painting, mural painting, games and themed activities. Performances by the NHS Stunt & Cheer Team, RRHS Dance Team, and local band, Springs of Iris, rocked the Thrive Stage, and the Jesus M. Cordova Memorial Foundation sponsored a car show. There was something for everyone at Thrive Fest. Special thanks to Home Depot, Finitos, and Aguas Ricas for donating supplies and beverages. 

(Chicago, Illinois)—Government Finance Officers Association of the United States and Canada (GFOA) has awarded the Certificate of Achievement for Excellence in Financial Reporting to Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District No. 35 for its annual comprehensive financial report for the fiscal year ended June 30, 2021. The report has been judged by an impartial panel to meet the high standards of the program, which includes demonstrating a constructive "spirit of full disclosure" to clearly communicate its financial story and motivate potential users and user groups to read the report. The Certificate of Achievement is the highest form of recognition in the area of governmental accounting and financial reporting, and its attainment represents a significant accomplishment by a government and its management. - Communications Specialist Shannon Enciso

Nogales Arizona, Santa Cruz County Jail Liaison, Martin Felix, recently organized mental health awareness training for first responders, court professionals and other members of the community who may be the first point of contact for those entering the justice system.  The two-day summit held at the Santa Cruz County Complex was part of the ongoing substance abuse and mental health programs spearheaded by Judge Emilio Velasquez.

“One of the things that is most important about today, is that we don’t forget about those who are still suffering from mental health.  They are still stigmatized and they are still having issues finding resources,” said Velasquez in his opening remarks.

In 2019, Velasquez started a coalition for the courts with an increased focus on substance abuse and mental health. “Since 2019, everything has come into fruition that we have planned.  The face of the court system has changed.  One of the things is that the criminal justice system is now holding people accountable, but we’re also allowing for redemption.  Making sure that they get second chances.”

As a result of the coalition, the court implemented a drug and behavioral empowerment court, and recently created the position of jail liaison. It is the responsibility of the jail liaison to evaluate nonviolent inmates and determine if there are community resources available for those who are suffering from mental health or substance abuse-related problems. 

 For several months, local organizations in Santa Cruz County met regularly to help plan for the Jump Back 2 School event. It is an opportunity for local organizations and community leaders to work together to help local families struggling to make ends meet. Many families today can’t afford to purchase the basic school supplies. 

Runaway inflation is cutting deeper and deeper into the incomes of people who work minimum wage jobs, seniors who have fixed incomes, and those who were already struggling.  

Today there are more people working than ever before, but their wages are often insufficient to support a family. Before the pandemic, 55 percent of Arizona households had trouble paying their bills. 

Living costs continue to rise, making it difficult for local families to purchase school supplies for their children. Local caring organizations work together to help families in need. Giving back to the community is a social responsibility for local organizations. Back to school supplies cost the average family $600.00, but not all families can afford such an expense, especially if they have more than one child. Santa Cruz County has an estimated median income of $ 29,710 for a family of four.

This year marked the 10th anniversary of Jump Back 2 School. In an effort to enhance support for local families, Safeway and other non-profits originally came up with this idea for a back-to-school event. Over the years, NUSD and local organizations have continued to host Jump Back 2 School. Organizing and coordinating this event in person with organizations and families was a special experience for the JBTS committee this year.

The day began early for several families and students on Saturday, July 23rd, in anticipation of Jump Back 2 School. Families and students waited patiently outside the cafeteria as early at 7:00 a.m. Meanwhile, inside the gymnasium local organizations were setting up their tables and school supplies. The cafeteria doors opened at 9:00 a.m. NUSD staff let families know they would start calling out students by school. The school principals from the elementary school greeted their students. Each of the school principals helped to register students, so they could  participate in the back to school event. Students who participated in the event received school supplies, uniforms, and a bag of lunch on their way out. The ultimate goal of this event is to help prepare students for a successful school year.   

The Jump Back 2 School Planning Committee would like to thank the following local organizations for their continued support:

Nogales Unified School District

Santa Cruz County Office of Superintendent

Making Connections 4U

NUSD Title 1

Safeway

South 32

Community Food Bank of Southern Arizona

Carondelet

Girl Scouts of Southern Arizona

Nationwide Vision

Starbucks

Nogales Fire Department

The City of Nogales

Santa Cruz County Board of Supervisors

Los Padres

Women’s Foundation 

Peter Piper Pizza

Jeong Lizardi PC

Women's Club

HOPE, Inc.

Arizonas Children Association

Southern Arizona for Youth & Families SAYF Council

Santa Cruz Council on Aging

VIP Tires

Croppers

Nogales U.S. Customs Brokers Association 

O'Reilly Auto Parts

Border Eco Magazine

SODEXO

CSL Plasma

First Things First

U of A Cooperative Extension

U of A 4H Club

Santa Cruz County Provisional Community College 

Community Health Associates

Arizona@Work

Mariposa Community Health Center

Circles Of Peace

Boys and Girls Club

Hall of Fame

Nogales Public Library

International Taekwondo Academy

 RRHS seniors were recognized for their achievements and awarded scholarships on Wednesday, May 4th. Students received an impressive $58,500 in local scholarships and close to $2.8 million in scholarships from colleges and universities.

The ceremony began with recognition of the students whose GPA ranked in the top 5% of RRHS seniors. For this achievement, The Friends of the SCVUSD issued $500 to the following: Christopher Leyva (valedictorian), Ruben Rojo (salutatorian), Raven Burns, Alicia Cabrera, Andrea Carrillo, Paula Enriquez, Sara Flores, Leah Gallo, Angela Holman, Omar Lopez, Peyton Lunderville, Danitza Mendez, Jesus Mercado, Gabriela Rodriguez, Daira Santacruz, and Yesenia Tautimez. 

The two Rotary Clubs that sponsor RRHS both contributed generously to high achieving students. The Tubac Rotary awarded $1,500 to Carrillo, $1,000 each to Ruben Encinas and Samantha Thornbloom. 

Tubac Rotary awarded $2,000 to Karen Velasco, $1,500 to Nallely Maldonado,  and $1,000 each to Mendez and Rodriguez. The Rio Rico/Tubac Rotary Comeback Kid Award worth  $1,000 went to Joseph Coil.

Alexa Monique Gonzales Scholarships  issued two scholarships: one for $2,000 to Carillo and one for $1,000 to Jade Zasueta Felix. Rojo, Mendez, and Daira Santacruz each received scholarships for $2,500 from South32. Cabrera and Carillo earned scholarships from The Women at Quail Creek worth $1,500 each.

Asociation de Maquiladoras de Nogales awarded $1,000 each to Carrillo, Coil, Flores, Rojo, and Thornbloom. Carillo and Roberto Lizarraga received $1,000 gifts from Tubac Fire. Real Wishes Santa Cruz County REALTORS® issued $1,000 each to Daniel Astrain and Mendez.

Jando Meza Rio Rico Alumni Association awarded $1,500 to Yamileth Barcelo, $1,000 each to Encinas, Rojo, Coil, Carrillo, and Demetrio Tolano Chavira, and $750 each to Mia Richardson and Emmanuel Arvizu.

Fabian Campos and Gallo received gifts of $500 each from It Takes Big Heart.

Edgardo Martinez and Enriquez each received awards of $500 from Bazua Builders LLC. 

Sinclair Trust Scholarship awarded $1,000 each to Tolano Chavira and Reymundo Denogean. Isaac Garcia earned a $1,000 Santa Cruz Community Foundation Scholarship. Jesus Cordova Scholarship Foundation issued a $1,000 scholarship to Encinas.

Carrillo garnered $1,000 from the Nogales Women’s Club. The Boys and Girls Club of Santa Cruz County awarded $1,000 to Tolano Chavira. Gallo received $10,000 from Mariposa Community Health Center.

Impressively, Lopez achieved the Dorrance Scholarship worth a total of $100,000. 

The following students were recognized for outstanding academic achievement: Alternative Pathways, Nilza Mendoza; Fine Arts, Chenille Eriksen; English, Cabrera; Science, Lopez; Social Studies, Carrillo; Math, Leyva; PE, Enriquez; Helpful Hawk, Esmeralda Bustamante; Foregn Language, Nicole Grijalva; CTE, Yesena Michel; Counseling, Denogean. 

The Principal’s Award went to Encinas, the Assistant Principal’s Awards went to Anthony Ruth and Nynette Perez, the S.O.A.R. Award went to Roberto Lizarraga Jr., and the Outstanding Student Athlete Award went to Gustavo Pacheco. Each received awards for $100 each from Artistry in Glass.

Many students received scholarships from colleges and universities themselves. 

The University of Arizona issued 45 scholarships.

Enriquez received the National Hispanic Scholar award worth a total of $72,000. Two students garnered the Arizona Excellence award: Flores received a total $80,000 and Francisco Santos received a total of $50,000. 

Wildcat Excellence scholarships were awarded to the following: a total of $32,000 each to Rodriguez, Dania Soto, Tautimez, Leilani Bacica-Pompa, Alexia Cano, Coil, and Gallo; a total of $20,000 each to Cabrera, Cyanna Daniel, Hector Delgado, Garcia, Ivonne Gonzales, Nilza Mendoza, Santacruz, Jose Valencia, Karen Velasco, Valeria Velazquez, Holman, Alexa Davila, and Alejandra Fuentes. Carillo garnered the Wildcat Distinction scholarship worth a total of $40,000, and Ana Ceballos received the Arizona Recognition scholarship worth a total of $30,000.

Wildcat Recognition scholarships were awarded to the following: a total of $12,000 each  to Natalie Alvarez, Rebeca Delarosa, Victoria Guzman Amavizca, Michel, Karla Morales,Sergio Urquidez, and Russia Toledo Velarde; a total of $8,000 to Gabriel Romero-Davis, Omar Vasquez, Tolano Chavira, Fabian Campos, Domenick Lopez-Ramirez, and Aislynn McIlrath; and a total of $3,000 to Angela Acosta, Denogean, Ikei Reece, Blanca Navarro, Nina Agosttini, and Jonathan Crespo. 

Northern Arizona University awarded 27 scholarships. Sara Flores, Garcia, and Ximena Martinez garnered President’s Excellence NR scholarships worth a total of $44,000 each. Alexia Cano, Cabrera, Coil, Gonzales, Mendoza, and Tautimez received the Lumberjack scholarship worth a total of $42,600 each. 

Peyton Lunderville, Santacruz, Rebecca Delarosa, Alejandra Fuentes, Gallo, Mendez, Urquidez, Valencia, and Velasco garnered the President’s scholarship worth a total of $32,000 each. Victoria Guzman Amavizca, Jobnicholas Villanueva, and Angela Holman received the Dean's with Distinction Yr 1 scholarship worth a total of $26,000. Burns, Alvarez, McIlrath, Marco Mora, Nicole Salazar, and Omar Vasquez received the Dean’s scholarship for a total of $20,000.

Arizona State University awarded 16 scholarships. The following students achieved the National Recognition Finalist scholarships worth a total of $50,368 each: Enriquez, Rojo, Mercado, and Lopez.

Two students received the President’s scholarship worth a total of $40,000: Tautimez and Leyva. Six students garnered  the Provost scholarship. Flores, Santacruz, and Edgardo Martinez received a total of $28,000 and Valencia, Evelyn Lopez, and Guzman Amavizca received a total of $22,792. Sergio Urquidez, Romero-Davis, Alejandra Fuentes, and Angela Acosta garnered the Dean's scholarship worth a total of $20,000. 

Grand Canyon University awarded eight scholarships: Enriquez achieved the Chancellor scholarship worth a total of $37,200; Evelyn Lopez and Delgado received the President scholarship worth a total of $29,200; Velsco and Aldo Higuera received the Dean’s scholarship worth a total of $21,200; Kiana Armenta received the Faculty scholarship worth $17,200; and Nicole Salazar and Dulce Jimenez received the Antelope scholarship worth a total of $11,200.

New Mexico State University awarded 13 scholarships. Coil, Flores, Avrille Giron, Holman, and Mendez received the Hadley Honors Out-of-State scholarships worth a total of $16,000.

The Crimson Success Out-of State scholarships worth a total of $12,000 each were awarded to Cabrera,Gallo, Morales, and Nicole Salazar. Daniel Yanez and Sergio Urquidez garnered the 1888 Leadership Out-of State scholarships worth a total of $8,000.

The military presented awards as well. The U.S. Marines presented the following awards: Gustavo Pacheco and Alexia Cano received Distinguished Athlete Awards, Isaac Garcia and Michel received Scholastic Excellence Awards, and Coil garnered the Semper Fidelis Award for Musical Excellence.

The military also awarded G.I. Bill scholarships of $25,162.14:  Sebastian Thysell, Juan Gonzalez, Jorge Garcia, Domenick Lopez-Ramirez, and Claudia Armenta were recipients of the G.I. Bill from the Marines; Melissa Molera was a recipient from the Navy. Story by Shannon Enciso/ Communications Specialist 

We will be hosting our first Binational Autism Conference in July of 2021 at the Binational Network for Neurodiversity, a coalition of over 20 nonprofit organizations serving families and communities in Arizona and Sonora. Since then, we have grown to include over 80 organizations that advocate for inclusion, adaptive programming, resources and services, and human rights along the Mexican border.    The Southern Arizona Autism Association Inc. out of Nogales AZ and Autismo Sonora - Hermosillo are inviting the disability community, families, friends, disability professionals, and anyone who loves someone with a disability to join us in the first binational caravan on March 30th in Huatabampo Sonora. Finalizing at the State Capital in Phoenix AZ after many stops in major cities and towns in Sonora.  A flag will be delivered and carried in memory of the fight, the struggles, the isolation families experience, as well as the unity that unites us all. We shed light on the tears and joys, and the strength and value of belonging to a community. It affects us all, and this caravan raises that awareness. Thanks to Nogales Mayor Arturo Garino for always advocating for disabled people and their families. Sisterhood Agreement ensures that our children, present and future generations will have a better quality of life. In order to participate in the Caravana, please email us at cervandoflores@gmail.com or info@soazaa.org with your interest. 

April marks Autism World Month. World Autism Day is celebrated on April 2. Due to the covid-19 pandemic, many families were awaiting services that they had stopped receiving during the pandemic. The 9th annual community resource fair will help families find the right services for their children. Families will learn about services available in Santa Cruz County. Topics covered include mental health, self-care for caregivers, goodies, giveaways, and family support. In a recent study, it was reported that 1 in 44 children are diagnosed with Autism Spectrum Disorders, and in the state of Arizona, that number is 1 in 40, much higher than the national average. 

Autism is commonly diagnosed in Hispanic/Latino families around 8 years of age. Autism Spectrum Disorders can be detected as early as 2 years of age.  Early intervention is crucial to building a healthy life. In celebrating our successes and sticking together through the tough times in Santa Cruz County, we invite the communities in the county to join us. The autism community is so uniquely bonded for life ! The event will be held behind City Hall at Teyechea Park on Saturday, April 2nd 10am-2pm. Ask your questions directly to the professionals. If you are concerned about your child, or awaiting a proper autism diagnosis, come out and bring your questions and concerns. There will be doctors, specialists, and educators on hand to answer your concerns or questions.  If you would like to register for the resource fair, or if you are a vendor and would like to promote your business, please contact us at info@soazaa.org Great community, great food, and children's activities.

We will be hosting our first Binational Autism Conference in July of 2021 at the Binational Network for Neurodiversity, a coalition of over 20 nonprofit organizations serving families and communities in Arizona and Sonora. Since then, we have grown to include over 80 organizations that advocate for inclusion, adaptive programming, resources and services, and human rights along the Mexican border.  

The Southern Arizona Autism Association Inc. out of Nogales AZ and Autismo Sonora - Hermosillo are inviting the disability community, families, friends, disability professionals, and anyone who loves someone with a disability to join us in the first binational caravan on March 30th in Huatabampo Sonora. Finalizing at the State Capital in Phoenix AZ after many stops in major cities and towns in Sonora.  A flag will be delivered and carried in memory of the fight, the struggles, the isolation families experience, as well as the unity that unites us all. We shed light on the tears and joys, and the strength and value of belonging to a community. It affects us all, and this caravan raises that awareness. Thanks to Nogales Mayor Arturo Garino for always advocating for disabled people and their families. Sisterhood Agreement ensures that our children, present and future generations will have a better quality of life. In order to participate in the Caravana, please email us at cervandoflores@gmail.com or info@soazaa.org with your interest.

 Santa Cruz Valley USD has officially moved into the digital age for all students preK through 12. Thanks to an Emergency Connectivity Fund (ECF) grant, 3000 Chromebooks recently arrived at the District warehouse for processing. The District has placed a priority on the elementary grade levels which are currently operating a 3:1 ratio. This shipment will bring that ratio to 1:1 meaning one Chromebook for every student. While the Chromebooks will remain in classrooms, this provides tremendous flexibility to staff for creating personalized lessons and learning opportunities and also taking advantage of new flexibility associated with instructional time. 

When Steve St. Coeur, the district’s Technology Coordinator, brought news of the ECF to the District Administration,it raised an immediate question of sustainability. However, reducing the replacement cycle to only two fiscal years makes planning easier. 

After distributing the first 1103 Chromebooks to the elementary sites the District will use the remaining new Chromebooks to replace all student devices more than two years old. 

This means all students will have an identical, touch screen model with no replacements needed until 2027. District Instructional Specialist Alex Palumbo explained, “Having all of the students working on the same, touch screen device makes instruction easier and more efficient for the teacher. Our intent here is to remove as many barriers as we can to allow for a more personalized and competency-based approach to student learning.” ##END 

Background: Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District No. 35 is a growing, dynamic school district covering approximately 267 square miles. The district operates five schools and has approximately 3600 students enrolled  

 The Arizona Association of Counties hosted the 2021 Annual Conference at the Sheraton Crescent by Marriot in Phoenix during the week of November 10 - 12. The Annual Conference included presentations, meetings of county elected officials, breakout Learning Lab sessions, keynote speakers, and a President’s Banquet Dinner. The conference concluded with the  2021 AACo Summit Awards. The winners were announced at the Friday (Nov. 12) breakfast. These unique awards recognize the innovative and creative spirit of Arizona county governments as they find new and effective ways of providing services to their citizens. The Santa Cruz County School Superintendent’s Office was awarded the Summit Award in Youth & Education for the Near-Peer Mentorship Program that is being implemented by the C-CREO Gear Up team in all county high schools. Representing Mr. Alfredo I. Velasquez at the Awards Breakfast was the Gear Up team from left to right:  Back row- Sonia Sanchez, Kerri Muñoz, Sandra Davila, Grissel Bojorquez, Maya Donnelly, Erika Vasquez, Adrienne Villanez. Front row- Ally Alvarez, Christie Monreal. Not pictured: Robert Brubaker and Evan Kory. 

HUD and the City of Nogales fund the Nogales Housing Authority, which supports low-income families and individuals seeking and maintaining affordable housing. The agency serves the entire Santa Cruz County. The first houses were constructed in 1970. The development was named Casas de Anza, and we currently have a total of 226 low income apartments ranging in size from 1 to 5 bedrooms. Most likely, the name is attributed to Juan Bautista de Anza who traveled through our region. Federal Housing was started shortly after the Great Depression to address housing hardships. It has evolved into many different splinters, as with many federal programs. Through federal funds, the housing authority also established Housing Choice Vouchers, also known as Section-8, which pays a portion of a tenant's total rent cost. 

There are presently 226 families living in our apartments, ranging in age and size. Additionally, we provide Section-9 assistance to 192 families or individuals. Recently, we were able to acquire 15 Emergency Housing Vouchers to help families and individuals who are fleeing domestic violence, are homeless or at risk of becoming homeless.

Currently, the Nogales Housing Authority maintains:

226 Low income apartments

192 Section-8 Vouchers

15 Emergency Housing Vouchers

The Department of Housing and Urban Development (HUD) provides most of the funding. Rental income is deposited and appropriated to our programs. Federal funding and rent payments sustain the operation.

“The difference between us and other low income apartment complexes is that we are managed by City of Nogales personnel who deal with local housing issues. In addition, we managed Section-8 vouchers for other low income apartment complexes,” said Thompson. 

Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District No.35 is proud to announce Mr. Mark Dittmar was named Santa Cruz County Teacher of the Year, at the County’s annual ceremony held Friday, July 30, 2021.

Dittmar, an art teacher at Mountain View Elementary, has been a teacher for SCV35 for more than 22 years.  He was also recently announced as the 2020-2021 SCV35 District Teacher of the Year at the District’s annual Welcome Back Celebration.  

Every year, the District sends nomination forms to families and staff.  In March, the District received close to 200 nominations for staff, administrators and teachers, several of which were for Mr. Dittmar.  One nomination, submitted by fellow teacher, Josie Tanori, read “Mark is someone who everyone can learn from, his dedication and ability to create fun and interesting teaching methods for students during distance learning.”

When schools quickly transitioned to virtual learning last year due to COVID-19,  Dittmar sought out an assistant art teacher to help capture students’ attention during online lessons.  Secondary the Monkey, a talking hand puppet, filled the position.

“I began using the monkey as an occasional teaching aide years ago, but it wasn’t until the pandemic and remote learning that the need to keep students engaged became vital. That’s when Secondary’s comic voice and personality developed. He is a combination of people from my old neighborhood (and a bit of me),” said Dittmar.

Even parents were captivated by Secondary’s personality and charm.  “He incorporated humor and interest into his lessons by using his puppet Secondary as a VERY effective teaching tool. Mr. Dittmar does not only know(s) how to teach art, but he knows how to teach art to KIDS. And knowing how to encourage creativity, wonder and talent in kids through art is not as easy as one might think,” wrote Mountain View parent Haydee Montemayor who submitted a nomination.

Not only did Montemayor nominate him,  but also submitted a nomination on behalf of her son Angelo.  “I chose Mr. D to be Teacher of The Year because he is creative. He taught me how to draw, showed me how to do “what its”, taught me about artistic people, and showed me how to shade and shadow. The best thing he taught me is how to shade and shadow because that’s how I learned how to make pictures come to life. I also chose him because I miss him. I hope he’s my art teacher again.”

Mr. Dittmar was one of twenty teachers from across Santa Cruz County who were honored at the annual ceremony by Superintendent of Schools Alfredo Velasquez’s office, and ultimately, he and Secondary took home first place.  

Mr. Dittmar will represent Santa Cruz County in competition for the Arizona Rural School Teacher of the Year via zoom on Friday, August 13, 2021.

Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District No.35 is proud to announce Mr. Mark Dittmar was named Santa Cruz County Teacher of the Year, at the County’s annual ceremony held Friday, July 30, 2021.

Dittmar, an art teacher at Mountain View Elementary, has been a teacher for SCV35 for more than 22 years.  He was also recently announced as the 2020-2021 SCV35 District Teacher of the Year at the District’s annual Welcome Back Celebration.  

Every year, the District sends nomination forms to families and staff.  In March, the District received close to 200 nominations for staff, administrators and teachers, several of which were for Mr. Dittmar.  One nomination, submitted by fellow teacher, Josie Tanori, read “Mark is someone who everyone can learn from, his dedication and ability to create fun and interesting teaching methods for students during distance learning.”

When schools quickly transitioned to virtual learning last year due to COVID-19,  Dittmar sought out an assistant art teacher to help capture students’ attention during online lessons.  Secondary the Monkey, a talking hand puppet, filled the position.

“I began using the monkey as an occasional teaching aide years ago, but it wasn’t until the pandemic and remote learning that the need to keep students engaged became vital. That’s when Secondary’s comic voice and personality developed. He is a combination of people from my old neighborhood (and a bit of me),” said Dittmar.

Even parents were captivated by Secondary’s personality and charm.  “He incorporated humor and interest into his lessons by using his puppet Secondary as a VERY effective teaching tool. Mr. Dittmar does not only know(s) how to teach art, but he knows how to teach art to KIDS. And knowing how to encourage creativity, wonder and talent in kids through art is not as easy as one might think,” wrote Mountain View parent Haydee Montemayor who submitted a nomination.

Not only did Montemayor nominate him,  but also submitted a nomination on behalf of her son Angelo.  “I chose Mr. D to be Teacher of The Year because he is creative. He taught me how to draw, showed me how to do “what its”, taught me about artistic people, and showed me how to shade and shadow. The best thing he taught me is how to shade and shadow because that’s how I learned how to make pictures come to life. I also chose him because I miss him. I hope he’s my art teacher again.”

Mr. Dittmar was one of twenty teachers from across Santa Cruz County who were honored at the annual ceremony by Superintendent of Schools Alfredo Velasquez’s office, and ultimately, he and Secondary took home first place.  

Mr. Dittmar will represent Santa Cruz County in competition for the Arizona Rural School Teacher of the Year via zoom on Friday, August 13, 2021.

Local organizations along with NUSD have been hosting the Jump Back 2 School event for several years now. This was their 9th Annual Jump Back 2 School event. “This year we decided to do the same thing we did last year because of COVID. We decided not to host the event but ask our community partners for financial support to help purchase school supplies, backpacks, and uniforms. We sent out over 800 tickets and as of today, only 365 backpacks have been issued.  Parents continue to come by everyday, and we will continue to hand them out throughout the year.”  said Judith Mendoza, Student Services Director. 

This event was originally spearheaded by Safeway along with other local non-profit organizations. The ultimate goal of this event has been to help prepare NUSD students for a successful school year. Local organizations know it is an opportunity for them and community leaders to work together to help motivate students towards a successful school year regardless of the circumstances. “We distributed backpacks filled with school supplies and uniforms.  They were delivered to each school site where they were hand-delivered to the students,” said Judith. 

The Jump Back 2 School Planning Committee would like to thank the following local organizations for their continued support:

Santa Cruz Superintendent Office Alfredo Velásquez

South 32

Santa Cruz County Manager Jennifer St. John

Croppers Nogales Auto Center

Unisource

The City of Nogales

Arizona@Work

Mariposa Community Health Center

United Way

Carondelet Holy Cross Hospital

Making Connections 4U/Santa Cruz Community Action Coalition