Latest Echoes

Throughout Rio Rico High School, the Interact Club has demonstrated remarkable community commitment exemplifying altruism. On October 5, thirty dedicated students rolled up their sleeves to meticulously clean the athletic field, revitalizing the school's center of physical activity and teamwork. At Crossroads Mission, a refuge providing vital assistance to those in need, nine compassionate members prepared and served nourishing meals.

The Interact Club members Diego Vasquez, Jimena Moreno, Emman Verdugo, Mateo Sanchez, Anthony Monge, Renata Aguirre, Abby Burgos, Jose Covarrubias and Daniel Catano set a good example. By serving the community, these students demonstrate Rotary International's motto: "Service Above Self." Through their efforts, they demonstrate the transformative power of volunteerism.

The Interact Club's proactive stance inspires peers and fosters a culture of empathy. Members gain crucial life skills: teamwork, leadership, and social responsibility, through meaningful initiatives. Rio Rico's social fabric is enhanced by their dedication. Their outreach reflects the community's commitment to cultivating compassionate, engaged, and visionary leaders.

Mountain View Elementary School artists proudly displayed their artistic prowess, earning top honors at the 2024 Santa Cruz County Fair. Guided by art teacher Mr. Mark Dittmar, these talented students showcased diverse mediums – graphite, markers, colored pencils, crayons, pastels and oil pastels.

During the judging process, judges evaluated artwork blindly, evaluating creativity, skill, quality, and appearance specifically tailored to the age and medium of the student's work. The identity of the students remained hidden throughout the competition.

It was an impressive collection of awards for Mountain View students, including six blue ribbons for outstanding achievement, two red ribbons for outstanding merit, and two white ribbons for outstanding effort. They won the purple Best of Show ribbon and the coveted 1st Place Best of Show trophy.

Recognized students included Ezra Gonzales, Jaelyn Espinosa, Evelyn Angulo, Analy Armenta, Sophia Fajardo and Jazzlyn Rehm from Grades 4 and 5. Angelo Montemayor, Lynnette Lopez and Helena Rivera, now in Grade 6, also received accolades.

Mr. Dittmar praised his students' dedication, creativity and technical skill. "These accolades reflect our school's thriving arts program and students' passion." Parents, teachers and peers celebrated the artists' accomplishments, fostering community pride and inspiring future creatives.

The Santa Cruz County Fair showcased local talent, reinforcing the importance of arts education. Mountain View Elementary's triumph demonstrated the power of creative expression and nurturing young artists.

On September 13, 2024, Rio Rico High School's stadium was abuzz with excitement as the Hawks hosted their highly anticipated Homecoming game. The electric atmosphere was contagious, with a sea of enthusiastic fans, alumni, and community members rallying behind their beloved team.

"This was one of the most intense and exciting games I've witnessed in years," exclaimed John Fanning, a loyal Hawks supporter. "The energy in the stadium was infectious, and the team's determination was inspiring."

However, the night's magic extended far beyond the gridiron. The HawX Dance Team's high-energy routines, expertly choreographed by Coach Carlos Quihuiz, stole the show. "Our dancers poured their hearts into every step, and their passion was contagious," said Carlos Quihuiz, HawX Dance Team coach. "It was an unforgettable night for our students and the entire community."

The Homecoming game was more than just a sporting event – it was a celebration of community spirit. Local businesses and organizations showed their support through sponsorships and donations. The school's marching band, cheerleaders, and color guard added to the festive atmosphere, while alumni and families reunited to relive cherished memories.

"From an announcer's perception, both teams gave it their all, with intense plays and nail-biting moments keeping the crowd on the edge of their seats.  The game was a true battle of heart and determination, exactly what Friday night football is supposed to be all about!

The Hawks faced off against Nogales High School in a thrilling match up that kept spectators on the edge of their seats. It marked the Hawks' third consecutive win, which cements their position as a force to be reckoned with in the region. They had never beaten Nogales before in football.

"This night reminded us that high school sports are much more than winning or losing," said Fanning. The Hawks' 21-7 record became secondary to the sense of pride and unity in the stadium as the final whistle blew. "It's about building character, fostering community, and creating lifelong memories."

Before the 2024-2025 school year officially began for Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District No. 35, its faculty and staff gathered together on August 2 for its annual Welcome-Back celebration. This celebration reflected on the hard work and accomplishments made by employees throughout the 2023-2024 school year, and also served as a rally to recognize incoming employees and goals for the upcoming year.

The Welcome-Back celebration consisted of a breakfast spread provided by Sodexo, sponsor tables, a fun photo booth with an array of props, upbeat performances by the Rio Rico High School Hawx Dance Team and Marching Band, inspiring and reflective speeches from Superintendent Mr. David Verdugo and various dignitaries, and a presentation of awards for Teacher and Employee of the Year nominees and winners.

New employees were given a warm welcome and recognized individually in their respective departments. A number of other staff members were also recognized for their many years of hard work, dedication, and tireless service to the district, ranging from five years all the way to 37 years of service. 

During the awards section of the event, plaques were presented to a faculty member from each school site within the district who were named the nominee of their school for SCVUSD’s Teacher of the Year award. This honor was granted to individuals who embody the mission and goals of the district as well as being a leader in and out of the classroom. It is clear that these individuals provide a well-rounded education and experience for students while also encouraging them to strive for excellence every day. Nominees for this award include Laura Ramos from Calabasas School, Maritza Olivas-Carrillo from Coatimundi Middle School, Cris Regala from Mountain View Elementary School, Luz Mendez from Rio Rico High School, and Jennifer Martinez from San Cayetano Elementary School. The winner chosen from this group of tremendous teachers was Cris Regala, who then also went on to win the award for Santa Cruz County 2024 Teacher of the Year on August 9. 

Plaques were also awarded to Support Staff Nominees for the 2023-2024 school year. These individuals were Miriam Molina from San Cayetano Elementary School, Celia Dietrich from Mountain View Elementary School, Natalie Longorio from Calabasas School, Ana Ortiz from Rio Rico High School, John Rojahn from Coatimundi Middle School, and Lalo Robles from the Transportation Department. San Cayetano Cheetah, Miriam Molina, was the winner of this  honorable award, and was surprised by her family members who showed up to support her during the award ceremony. 

Overall, SCVUSD’s Welcome-Back Event focused on continuing to provide its students with an Above the Bar education and recognizing the people who collaborate and work cohesively as one unit to accomplish this major task. 

We thank our sponsors Santa Cruz County School Superintendent Office, Edward Jones Investments, International Medical Solutions, Grand Canyon University, South 32, ASBAIT, and Meritain Health who provided invaluable support to our district before and throughout the event!

The Hoop Shoot semifinals in Las Vegas witnessed remarkable achievements as Gabriella (Gabi) Gonzales], a middle school student from Coatimundi Middle School, claimed the top spot in the 12-13 girls division, while Anakin Machado,  a fourth-grader from Mountain View Elementary School, secured an impressive third place in the 10-11 boys division.

During her competition, Gabi made 19 out of 25 free throws which resulted in a tie with another shooter in her division. During the tiebreaker round, both girls again tied with 3 out of 3 baskets. It was during the second tiebreaker round that Gabi scored 5 out of 5 for the win!!!! 

The next stop for Gabi will be to compete in Chicago, Illinois.  There, she will compete for the Hoop Shoot National Champion title. Gabi will represent West Region 7 which includes Arizona, California, Hawaii, Nevada, and Utah. Each region consists of 6 divisions. The divisions include ages 8-9 girls and boys, ages 10-11 girls and boys, and ages 12-13 girls and boys for a possible 6 winners at the national level. The finals will be held April 18-21.

The Rio Rico HawX Dance Team has emerged victorious at the State Dance Championships, showcasing their exceptional talent, dedication, and teamwork to clinch the coveted state title.

In a stunning display of artistry and precision, the HawX Dance Team captivated the audience and judges alike with their outstanding performance at the State Championships held on February 24, 2024,  at the Arizona State Cheerleading/Pom Tournament in Phoenix AZ. The team's impeccable choreography, synchronized movements, and dynamic energy set them apart, earning them the highest honors in the competition. 

Under the guidance of their dedicated coach, Carlos Quihuiz, and assistant coach Kathya Quihuiz, the HawX Dance Team tirelessly prepared for the competition, dedicating countless hours to rehearsals and perfecting their routines. "The HawX Dance Team! Rio Rico's very own underdog story. A dance team that believes in discipline, kindness, structure, and commitment who brought home nearly a perfect score! Placing last in 2023 to becoming State Champions in 2024, this team rose from the ashes and exceeded all expectations! Proud of these 12 dancers and proud to be a HawX! Thank you RRHS Community for your unconditional support, we hope to continue to make you proud," said Quihuiz.

The team’s victory is a testament to the hard work, discipline, and talent of each member. Their triumph brings pride to the school and reinforces the importance of arts education and extracurricular activities in shaping well-rounded and accomplished individuals.  

Students at Rio Rico High School earned academic honors from the College Board National Recognition Programs. These programs celebrate students' hard work in high school and showcase their strong academic performance. The academic honors for rural area, Black, Indigenous, and/or Latino students are an opportunity for students to share their strong academic achievements with colleges and scholarship programs that are seeking to recruit diverse talent.

At Rio Rico High School, 5 students received academic honors following categories:

• Andres Flores: National Rural and Small Town Award (NRSTA) 
• Axel Oros: National Hispanic Recognition Award (NHRA)
• Abigail Rocio Burgos: National Hispanic Recognition Award (NHRA). “I’m so grateful for this opportunity that was given to me. This tight-knit community makes receiving this recognition such an honor, and I'm glad to represent them.”
• Stefen Kemp: National Hispanic Recognition Award (NHRA), and the National Rural and Small Town Award (NRSTA). “I am extremely proud of my accomplishment because it represents how much dedication and work I have put into my education. It proves to me that hard work is rewarded, and you should never be afraid to try your best.”
• Uriel Rivas: National Hispanic Recognition Award (NHRA)

 “We’re thrilled to celebrate our students and recognize them for the great work they’ve been doing. We’re proud of their strong academic performance in the classroom and on College Board assessments like the PSAT/NMSQT®, PSAT™ 10, and AP® exams,” said Principal John Kneup. “There’s so much that makes our students unique, and receiving this honor reinforces this as an asset for their future.”

The criteria for eligible students include:

• GPA of 3.5 or higher.
• PSAT/NMSQT or PSAT 10 assessment scores that are within the top 10% of assessment takers in each state for each award program or earned a score of 3 or higher on 2 or more AP Exams in 9th and 10th grade.
• Attend school in a rural area or small town, or identify as African American/Black, Hispanic American/Latino, or Indigenous/Native.

 Eligible students are invited to apply on BigFuture during their sophomore or junior year and are awarded at the start of the next school year in time to share their achievements in high school as they plan for the future. At the same time, colleges and organizations using College Board’s Student Search Service™ can connect directly with awardees during the recruitment process.

 “It’s becoming increasingly hard for students to be ‘seen’ during the college recruitment process. We’re exceptionally proud of the National Recognition Programs for celebrating students who are at times overlooked but have shown their outstanding academic abilities,” said Tarlin Ray, senior vice president of BigFuture® at College Board. “This is a benefit not only for students but also for colleges and universities committed to recruiting diverse and talented students.”
Story by Shannon Enciso/Communications Specialist

Santa Cruz Valley USD No. 35

Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District No. 35 is proud to announce that Kiana Garcilazo and Elian Olmos were recruited to play ball at the next level.  

Garcilazo will play softball for the Central Arizona College Vaqueros where she will focus on general studies until she decides on a major.

"Kiana is a very special athlete.  She comes from a long line of players.  She loves the sport of softball and it shows through her dedication and hard work.  It has been an absolute honor being on the field with Keeks.  I wish her all the best in her senior year of high school and most importantly in her collegiate career." Softball Coach Rafael Corrales

Olmos will play baseball for the Arizona Western College Matadors where he will study criminal justice.  In his junior year, he batted .298 in 84 at-bats with 4 doubles, 1 triple, 2 home runs and 15 RBIs.  

"Western is getting a young man that has many intangibles that will make an immediate impact at the collegiate level.  He has grown as a leader and understands what it takes to W1N.  The trust I have built with him over the past year and a half speaks volumes for his ability to buy in to core values of any program.  Elian's baseball ability speaks for itself.  It has been a pleasure to be a part of his development, and I look forward to what he will accomplish at the next level."  Baseball Coach Chris Laughland
Story by Shannon Enciso/Communications Specialist

Santa Cruz Valley USD No. 35

 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.

 In recognition of their efforts to promote Tubac and its arts scene, we congratulate the Tubac Chamber of Commerce. USA Today has recognized Tubac as the "Best Small Town Arts Scene," which highlights the town's commitment to creating a vibrant artistic community. As well as recognizing the hard work of the Tubac Chamber of Commerce, this award demonstrates the dedication the city has to supporting and promoting the arts. The Tubac Chamber of Commerce has been able to increase the local economy and cultural significance of Tubac by putting it on the map and attracting tourists. This recognition serves as a testament to the thriving arts scene in Tubac and the positive impact it has on the community. 

 Rio Rico High School wrestler Sophia Renteria secured her spot on the Arizona National Wrestling Team after competing in the AZ-USAW National Qualifier held at Red Mountain High School on March 11th, 2023.  The team will represent Arizona in the Fargo Cadet and Junior Nationals in July in Fargo, North Dakota. 

Sophia is a girl's junior division competitor in the 117 lb weight class for Rio Rico High School as well as competing in independent tournaments.  She ended her senior year with a record of 42-13 thanks to her dedication and an intense training schedule.  

Renteria says she trains at the gym every morning before school and attends wrestling practice 3-4 times per week after school.  “For the most part, I train with Coach Manny, the assistant wrestling coach at RRHS, he runs a few practices during the week here (RRHS). Outside of that, I travel up to Sahuarita to get on the mat at SHS,” said Renteria. 

The team’s season begins in March and competes until the end of July.  She will face off against both men and women on the freestyle team.  “During the high school season I competed with only girls but going into the freestyle season I look to challenge myself and get more competition by competing in both the men's and women’s divisions,” said Renteria.

She attributes her success to her coaches and parents, “My coaches and parents have been my biggest supporters. They have been with me every step of the way and have helped guide me to where I am today.  I would not be the person I am today without them. The coaches are always in my corner and provide me with opportunities to improve. My parents go out of their way to make sure they are always at my tournaments to support me.”

Renteria has used every opportunity to gain as much knowledge about wrestling as possible.  In 2022, she refereed at local tournaments and plans to continue this year as well.  “It’s a great experience to expand my wrestling knowledge and gives me the chance to give back to the community that has provided so much for me."

Once the freestyle season is over, Renteria says she will continue to wrestle at the collegiate level.  “I have received multiple offers from NAIA, NCAA D2, and D3 schools. Currently, I am uncommitted but am looking to make a decision by the end of April. I plan to major in environmental science and hope to work in the national park services.”-Shannon Enciso/Communication Specialist

The non-profit sector contributes to strengthening communities by providing educational, health, and social services that citizens cannot access from the government. Nonprofit organizations, however, can only fulfill their missions with the help of dedicated and passionate individuals who give their time, talent, and treasure to volunteer and serve on nonprofit boards of directors.

As a result of the COVID pandemic, many non-profit organizations in Tubac have lost their volunteers, making it difficult for them to operate. Volunteers are essential to the success of non-profit organizations, so the lack of volunteers has had a significant impact on their ability to provide services to their communities. This has caused many organizations in Tubac to struggle with recruiting volunteers and has put a strain on their operations. Without volunteers, non-profit organizations cannot operate effectively and efficiently.

We have had difficulty finding volunteers to work with local non-profit organizations in the past few months. There is a shortage of volunteers in these organizations, which makes it difficult to carry out our work. Prior to COVID, we had people who were willing to volunteer their time. However, after COVID, a number of the volunteers stopped coming or did not see the importance of volunteering.

Dennis Eshleman, community member from Destination Tubac-Tumacacori,  said, "Volunteers are the backbone of any nonprofit organization. There are a variety of opportunities available throughout the year for volunteers to match their passions, skills, interests, and areas of development."

Volunteers are greatly needed in our community in order to help with the various capacities that organizations lack the necessary staff and funding to carry out. Therefore, I would like to encourage people to volunteer their time and energy to these organizations. There are many organizations that are looking for volunteers to help with opportunities outside of their primary focus areas or with more general functions. Your support will have a major impact on the success of these organizations, and it is greatly appreciated.

Volunteer opportunities in the following organizations: 

Tubac Center of the Arts   (520) 398-2371- Karin Topping

Tubac Presidio  (520) 398-2252  - Julie Robinson

Tumacacori National Historic Park (520) 377-5060 - Mike Medrano

Tubac Nature Center -  tubac.nature.center.2019@gmail.com  Jim Karp

Anza Trail Coalition  (520) 841-6944 -  Roy Dickover 

Friends of the Santa Cruz River (520) 403-2823 

Tubac Chamber of Commerce (520) 398-2704 

Volunteering is a great way to give back to the community and help those in need. It can also be a great way to learn new skills, meet new people, and gain valuable experience. Volunteering can be a great way to make a difference in the world, and it can also be a great way to feel a sense of accomplishment. People should volunteer because it can help them build relationships, learn new skills, and gain valuable experience. It can also be a great way to make a difference in the world and help those in need. Volunteering can be a great way to make a positive impact in the community and make a difference in the lives of those around you.

 On Wednesday, December 20th at 3:00 p.m., a remarkable event took place at the Bowman Center for the senior community. This event, known as the Delivering Smiles 2023 initiative, was a collaborative effort between several respected organizations. These organizations included Croppers, CSL Plasma, Safeway, Borderlands Food Bank, Nogales Housing Authority, City of Nogales, Margarita Elias, Arizona@Work, Making Connections 4U, Villas Market, and the Southern Arizona Community Food Bank.

The primary objective of the Delivering Smiles initiative was to bring joy and support to the senior community. Each senior was presented with a special "care box" that contained a variety of thoughtful items. These included earmuffs, knitted hats, gloves, socks, scarves, coffee tumblers, cookies, and a food box. A total of 125 of these care boxes were distributed to the deserving seniors.

The Nogales Housing Authority staff played a crucial role in ensuring the success of this initiative. They diligently distributed the care packages to seniors residing in various housing properties. These properties included Kitchen, Anza, Legleu, Siqueiros, MacNab, Western Place, Esperanza, Guerrero, Las Americas, Bungalow, Thelma, Lydia Castro, Joe Cordova, Via Jovita, and Bowman.

The Arizona@Work youth program, in collaboration with the housing authority staff, actively participated in packing the items into the care boxes. Additionally, these dedicated youth also assisted in distributing the boxes to the seniors. Alongside them, the Nogales Housing Authority staff, Cropper's staff, and CSL Plasma staff worked tirelessly to ensure that each senior received their care box.

This heartwarming event not only brought smiles to the faces of the senior community but also showcased the power of collaboration and compassion. The efforts of these organizations and individuals truly made a difference in the lives of the seniors, providing them with much  needed support and showing them that they are not alone in their journey. The unity displayed during this event serves as a reminder that when we come together, we can create a positive impact on the lives of others. It is through acts of kindness and selflessness that we can build a stronger and more caring community for everyone. This event serves as an inspiration for future collaborations and a testament to the incredible generosity and dedication of these individuals and organizations.

The Arizona@Work youth program and staff from the housing authority helped to pack the items into the boxes. The youth also helped to distribute the boxes to the seniors along with the Nogales Housing Authority staff, Cropper’s staff, and CSL Plasma staff at the Bowman Center. 

Thank you for joining us in bringing smiles to those in need by participating in this collaborative effort.  

Thank you to all the organizations, staff, & volunteers for bringing a smile to someone who needs one this holiday season!

CSL Plasma Staff: Crystal Alvarez, Ivan Lopez, Mariana Munoz, Antonio Lira, Cielo Lopez, Jennifer Cheang, and Rebecca Mungia Ortega.

Cropper’s Staff: Otillio Garavito, Miguel Lopez, Johnny Hawkins, Carl Krause, and Kalani Krause.

Arizona@Work Staff: Tania Hernandez, Cresencio Mata, and Adrian Chamberlain. 

Arizona@Work youth participants: Lenis Melendez, Mitzia Gastelum, Maria Lopez, Mariela Alvarez, Liz Ramirez, Jocelyn Cota.

Nogales Housing Authority Staff: Frida Rodirguez, Manuel Garcia, Federico Encinas, Eduardo Galindo, Manuel Gonzalez, Joaquin Serrano, Viviana Rivera, Javier Angulo, and Trini Matus.

 Eladio Pereira, MD, MBA, MACP

The world has changed, and our humanity has been eroded. World conflicts, technology, and other factors have created a desire to treat others with insults and disrespect. We see that around us daily.

These behaviors lead to unhappiness, bullying, and, in some cases, mental illness. The pressure to follow and duplicate erratic, unhealthy behaviors is high. 

Studies have shown that positive attitudes and behaviors lead to a better life. Empathy, in particular, can help understand others. Putting ourselves in others’ shoes can help us realize that we are different. Our life circumstances, in some cases, dictate our mental well-being. 

Kindness and courtesy show how connected we are. We all need each other. If we interact with kindness, we feel better. 

There are certain things that we can do to improve the lives of others. Active listening, a smile, a hug, opening the doors for others, offering good tips, and saying good morning and thank you build a strong connection in a community.

Let us come together and build a community of happiness, kindness, and goodwill. We will be stronger, not weaker.