- Partnerships
When it comes to partnerships that truly make a difference for students, the connection between Scottsdale Unified School District and Scottsdale Rotary Club deserves a standing ovation.
Throughout the 2025–26 school year, Rotary members didn’t just support SUSD from the sidelines, they showed up in classroom, at events, on campuses, around lunch tables, and most importantly, alongside students.
From jazz performances and career mentoring to scholarships and speaking competitions, Scottsdale Rotary helped turn learning into something students could see, hear, experience, and imagine themselves pursuing in the future.
At Coronado High School, an ordinary lunch period became an unforgettable experience when Scottsdale Rotary sponsored Jazz in the Courtyard.
As students gathered for lunch, the smooth sounds of William “Doc” Jones and his professional jazz band filled the campus courtyard. To make the moment even more memorable, five members of Coronado’s Jazz Band were invited to perform alongside the professionals, giving students a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to share the stage with seasoned musicians.
It was more than entertainment. It was inspiration in real time.
Scottsdale Rotary also partnered with Coronado High School for a student essay competition focused on character, values, and leadership — themes deeply connected to Rotary’s Four-Way Test and SUSD’s commitment to developing well-rounded learners.
Students reflected on the values that guide their lives, writing thoughtfully about empathy, honesty, ambition, respect, dignity, and treating others with kindness. Rotarians reviewed essays, community leaders selected finalists, and students were honored during a special luncheon and awards ceremony.
The message to students was clear: their voices matter.
One of the year’s largest collaborative efforts came in Fall 2025, when SUSD and Scottsdale Rotary teamed up to host the Future Ready Conference at Chaparral High School.
More than 450 students participated in hands-on sessions exploring everything from entrepreneurship and engineering to architecture, hospitality, psychology, and construction careers. Students also learned practical life skills like resume writing, networking, and dressing for success.
Nearly 30 Rotarians volunteered their time and expertise, proving that career readiness becomes even more powerful when an entire community invests in students’ futures.
The partnership continued throughout the spring semester with Rotarians stepping directly into classrooms to share real-world experiences and advice.
At Coronado, students in a dual-credit course with Scottsdale Community College participated in a panel discussion led by local professionals covering entrepreneurship, real estate, networking, and presentation skills.
Meanwhile, at Saguaro High School, Rotary member Max Rumbaugh spoke with engineering students about the many pathways into STEM careers — from vocational training to university engineering programs — helping students see that success can take many forms.
Perhaps one of Scottsdale Rotary’s most impactful traditions is its annual scholarship program.
This year, approximately $70,000 in scholarships will support graduating seniors pursuing futures in performing arts, engineering, vocational training, athletics, first responder training, and more.
For students and families, these scholarships are more than financial support. They are a reminder that an entire community believes in their potential.
The momentum is already carrying into next year.
Upcoming plans include a new public speaking competition for fifth-grade students at Laguna Prep, where students will present speeches about their definitions of success before Rotary members, families, and community judges.
Scottsdale Rotary will also support SUSD’s emerging Math Powers initiative, connecting students with professionals who use math every day in careers ranging from healthcare and law to skilled trades and engineering.
It’s a perfect example of what makes the SUSD–Rotary partnership so successful: students are not only learning lessons in classrooms — they are seeing how those lessons connect to the real world.
And when schools and community partners work together, students don’t just prepare for the future.
They become ready to lead it.
- Partnerships
There are few moments more powerful than watching a student realize their future is within reach.
That moment came to life once again at the 2026 Coronado Promise Scholarship Signing Dinner, where seniors from Coronado High School gathered alongside families, educators, and community leaders to celebrate not just scholarships, but possibilities.
Held in Coronado’s lower gym, the annual event transformed the space into something much bigger than a school venue. It became a celebration of dreams, determination, and the extraordinary power of partnership.
The evening’s signature moment, each student ceremonially signing their Coronado Promise, symbolized more than financial support for college. It represented a community standing shoulder-to-shoulder with students and saying: We believe in you.
The Coronado Promise is made possible through a remarkable collaboration between Scottsdale Unified School District, Scottsdale Charros, Coronado Foundation for the Future, the City of Scottsdale, and Scottsdale Community College; a coalition united by one goal: creating brighter futures for Coronado students.
Together, these partners are doing more than helping students access higher education. They are helping break barriers.
“Education plays a significant role in helping end the cycle of poverty by providing students with improved opportunities for the future,” said Dennis Robbins, Executive Director of the Scottsdale Charros. “More education is associated with higher lifetime incomes, better job prospects, a longer life, increased community involvement, and better physical and mental health.”
That belief echoed throughout the evening.
For many students, the Coronado Promise is not simply a scholarship. It is a support system, one that includes mentorship, guidance, encouragement, and an entire network invested in student success.
“Not only does the scholarship provide financial aid, it introduces students to an entire team dedicated to the success of those participants,” shared Coronado Promise recipient Juan Ernesto Booth. “The scholarship is more than just the money, it opens the doors to guidance, counseling, and people who truly believe in the future of those receiving it.”
That team effort is what makes the Coronado Promise so unique, and so impactful.
Superintendent Dr. Scott Menzel reflected on the collective commitment that continues to strengthen the program year after year.
“None of this would be possible without the deep commitment and support of our community,” Menzel said. “I am truly grateful for the Charros, for the Coronado Foundation for the Future, for Mr. Flick, and for all of those here who are contributing to ensuring that we are able to provide support for all of our students.”
The program has already become a shining example of what happens when schools and communities work together with intentionality and heart.
“It is our hope that in the future the Coronado Promise will become the model for similar promise scholarship programs in each of our five learning communities,” said Patty Beckman of the Charro Foundation.
As students walked across the stage to sign their promises, the room wasn’t simply celebrating scholarships earned. It was celebrating futures launched.
Because at Coronado, success is not built by one organization alone. It is built through partnership, belief, and a community determined to ensure every student has the opportunity to thrive.
- Partnerships
On the evening of April 24, educators, students, and community members gathered to celebrate something special, moments of dedication, achievement, and impact that often unfold quietly in classrooms throughout the year. At the Scottsdale Charros Education Awards, those moments took center stage, as outstanding teachers and students from across Scottsdale Unified School District were recognized and celebrated.
While the awards night shines a spotlight on individual achievement, it also tells a much bigger story, one of a partnership that has supported Scottsdale schools for more than 60 years.
Since 1961, the Scottsdale Charros have remained deeply committed to public education. What began as a local effort to give back has grown into a districtwide impact that reaches every school and countless students. This year alone, the Charros contributed more than $400,000 to SUSD, funding initiatives that directly enhance learning, opportunity, and student success.
That support shows up in classrooms through teacher grants that bring creative ideas to life, on campuses through improvements and resources that strengthen learning environments, and in students’ lives through scholarships that help open doors to the future. Each investment reflects a shared belief: when schools are supported, students thrive.
The Charros’ impact goes beyond funding. Through their Liaison Program, members work closely with schools across the district, building relationships and helping ensure that resources reach where they are needed most. Their hands-on involvement creates a connection that is both meaningful and lasting.
For students preparing to graduate, programs like Project Graduation provide safe, celebratory experiences, while initiatives such as the Coronado Promise continue to expand access to higher education and career pathways. These efforts are not just about support in the moment; they are about building futures.
The Charros Education Awards serve as a powerful reminder of what can be accomplished through strong community partnership. As educators were recognized for their dedication and students celebrated for their achievements, the evening captured the spirit of SUSD, one grounded in excellence, opportunity, and collaboration.
As another successful event comes to a close, one thing remains clear: the partnership between SUSD and the Charros continues to make a lasting difference, ensuring that students across the district are supported, celebrated, and prepared for what comes next.
At Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD), student success goes beyond the classroom, and through its growing partnership with Blue Zones Project Scottsdale, well-being is becoming part of everyday school culture.
Since August 2025, Mountainside Middle School has been leading the way as a Blue Zones Project Approved™ School, turning simple, intentional habits into meaningful moments for students. In collaboration with Blue Zones Project Scottsdale and supported by a dedicated PTO, the school has launched one of its most impactful initiatives yet: “Blue Zones First Fridays.”
Before the first bell even rings, the campus is already buzzing with energy. Students are welcomed with tables of healthy snacks, simple, nourishing options designed to fuel both body and mind. But what truly sets the experience apart is the sense of connection and joy woven into every interaction.
At the center of it all is a brightly colored spinning wheel, drawing lines of excited students eager to participate. Each spin invites them into a quick, engaging Power 9® activity, whether it’s getting their bodies moving with jumping jacks, sharing something they’re proud of, or offering a compliment to a peer. These small, but powerful moments reinforce positivity, movement, and connection in ways that feel natural, fun, and lasting.
The results have been immediate and inspiring. Students look forward to First Fridays. Conversations about wellness are making their way home. Families are engaging. What began as a simple idea has quickly evolved into a shared culture of well-being.
The impact doesn’t stop there.
Inspired by Mountainside’s success, Laguna Prep, also on the path to becoming Blue Zones approved, has launched its own version, hosting celebrations on the second Friday of each month. With the same focus on healthy choices, community connection, and student engagement, Laguna is already seeing the excitement ripple through its campus.
This is how partnerships create momentum.
Today, 15 SUSD schools are officially Blue Zones Project Approved™, with eight more actively working toward that goal. Across the district, schools are embracing creative ways to integrate well-being into daily routines, not as an added program, but as a natural part of the student experience.
The Blue Zones Project is rooted in research from National Geographic Fellow and best-selling author Dan Buettner, who identified communities around the world where people live the longest, healthiest lives. By bringing those principles, known as the Power 9®, into schools, SUSD and Blue Zones Project Scottsdale are helping students build habits that support lifelong health and happiness.
Supported locally by HonorHealth®, The Cigna Group, and Goodwill of Central and Northern Arizona, this partnership reflects a shared commitment to making the healthy choice the easy choice for students, families, and the broader Scottsdale community.
From a simple snack table to a districtwide movement, SUSD’s collaboration with Blue Zones is proof that small, consistent actions can lead to big change.
The Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) continues to lead the way in student health and wellness through its thriving partnership with the Blue Zones Project. Recently, three more campuses, Hohokam, Navajo, and Tavan Elementary Schools, have earned the distinguished designation of Scottsdale Blue Zones Project® Approved Schools, underscoring SUSD’s deep commitment to creating healthier, happier learning environments.
With this recognition, Hohokam, Navajo and Tavan join a growing group of SUSD campuses intentionally designing school cultures where the healthy choice is the easy choice for students, staff, and families alike.
The Blue Zones Project is inspired by the groundbreaking research of National Geographic Fellow and New York Times best-selling author Dan Buettner, whose work identified communities around the world where people live longer, healthier, and more meaningful lives. Bringing those lessons into schools, Blue Zones–approved campuses implement evidence-based practices that encourage natural movement throughout the day, nutritious eating habits, positive social connections, and a strong sense of purpose and belonging.
At Hohokam, Navajo, and Tavan, wellness is visible in everyday moments. Students are encouraged to stay active and engaged. School meals emphasize nutritious options that support growing bodies and minds. Staff members model healthy habits and foster a culture of connection and belonging. Families are welcomed as partners in promoting lifelong well-being. Together, these efforts create a positive school climate where students feel supported and empowered to thrive.
This work reflects SUSD’s core values in action. Placing students first means caring for the whole child, academically, socially, and physically. Building strong relationships ensures that every student feels seen and valued. Creating supportive environments allows each campus to become a place where students not only learn, but flourish.
Hohokam, Navajo, and Tavan now join an impressive roster of SUSD Blue Zones–approved schools, including Coronado High School, Mountainside Middle School, Cochise Elementary School, Hopi Elementary School, Yavapai Elementary School, Redfield Elementary School, Echo Canyon School, Anasazi Elementary School, Pima Elementary School, Cocopah Middle School, and Sequoya Elementary School. Each designation represents months of thoughtful collaboration and dedication by administrators, teachers, staff, students, and families working together to prioritize health and well-being.
The partnership between SUSD and the Blue Zones Project demonstrates what is possible when a district commits to whole-child education. By embedding wellness into the fabric of school life, SUSD is shaping not only strong students, but strong communities. As more campuses earn the Blue Zones distinction, the district’s commitment to lifelong health, purpose, and success continues to grow, benefiting every student who walks through its doors.