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Scottsdale Unified Chosen for Community Safety Investment Through Partnership with HonorHealth and Scottsdale Charros

Scottsdale Unified Chosen for Community Safety Investment Through Partnership with HonorHealth and Scottsdale Charros

SCOTTSDALE, Ariz. (February 11, 2026) – Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) has been selected to receive a significant investment in student safety through a community partnership with HonorHealth and the Scottsdale Charros. Following a highly competitive application process, HonorHealth Sports Medicine was awarded one of the Scottsdale Charros Foundation’s annual grants to support the purchase and distribution of five automated external defibrillators (AEDs) for SUSD high schools.

HonorHealth Sports Medicine applied for the grant with a clear goal: to strengthen emergency preparedness at SUSD athletic facilities by ensuring life-saving equipment is accessible where students compete and gather. The Charros Foundation reviewed applications from a record number of organizations, choosing HonorHealth for its strong alignment with shared values: supporting youth, promoting education and athletics, preserving Scottsdale’s proud heritage, and enhancing the overall wellbeing of the community. 

On Tuesday, February 10, at 3 p.m., HonorHealth officially presented the five AEDs to SUSD, placing one at each of the high schools.

“At HonorHealth, we believe caring for a community means showing up for its future, and that starts with our youth,” said Dr. Erik Dean, Medical Director of the HonorHealth Sports Medicine Program and SUSD Athletics. “These AEDs are more than devices; they represent preparedness, peace of mind, and a shared commitment to student safety.”

For Scottsdale Unified, this partnership directly strengthens student wellbeing, enhances athletic safety, and supports staff and families with greater confidence at school events.

“When our students take the field or the stage, their safety is our priority,” said Steven Cervantez, SUSD Athletic Director. “Being chosen for this support reflects the trust our community partners place in SUSD.”

“The safety of our students, athletes, and families is paramount,” added Dennis Robbins, Scottsdale Charros Executive Director. “By funding a portable AED for each of Scottsdale Unified School District’s five high schools, we’re helping ensure that life-saving equipment is immediately accessible during sporting events and other campus activities, when every second truly matters.”

Scottsdale Unified School District extends its sincere gratitude to HonorHealth, the Scottsdale Charros, and the Charros Foundation for selecting SUSD and for their continued commitment to protecting students and strengthening our community.

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#ChooseSUSD
With more than 20,000 students in all our schools, the Scottsdale Unified School District (SUSD) has been a premier choice for pre-kindergarten through grade 12 public education for nearly 130 years. Located northeast of metropolitan Phoenix, the District serves the educational needs of students and families in Phoenix, Paradise Valley, Fountain Hills, Tempe, and Scottsdale. A highly experienced, professionally certified teaching staff fosters a diverse and rigorous educational environment that engages all students in world-class, future-focused learning. Offering gifted learning, special education, career and technical education, and a variety of athletics, arts and enrichment programs and clubs, SUSD provides the rich environment today’s students need to explore their interests, develop important social skills, and grow into tomorrow’s leaders. For more information, visit www.susd.org and follow along on social media: Facebook: @ScottsdaleUSD, Instagram: @ScottsdaleUnifiedSD, LinkedInand YouTube.