CTE News
Ready to Work, Ready to Lead: SUSD Celebrates EVIT Class of 2026
Under the Arizona sky at Salt River Fields, stadium lights illuminated the future as the East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT) celebrated its Class of 2026. Among the graduates were 150 Scottsdale Unified School District seniors, recognized across three ceremonies held during the week of May 20.
Walking alongside their East Valley peers, these students carried more than diplomas across the stage, they carried certifications, hands-on experience, and the confidence that comes from already preparing for careers in high-demand industries. They leave high school not only college ready, but career ready.
The applause from family and friends reflected the incredible range of talent represented within this graduating class. Throughout their high school years, SUSD students dedicated themselves to mastering technical and professional skills that will serve them well in the workforce and beyond. Their training spanned industries including welding, electrical and construction trades, aviation maintenance, nursing, medical assisting, cosmetology, barbering, aesthetics, culinary arts, and firefighting.
Each graduate crossed the stage with industry-recognized credentials and real-world experience already in hand, an achievement that speaks to their commitment, determination, and readiness to lead in the next chapter of their lives.
Whether entering the workforce, continuing their education, or pursuing advanced certifications, the EVIT Class of 2026 represents the strength of career and technical education and the bright future of SUSD students.
DMHS Graphic Design Interns Bring the Mystery Machine to Life
Desert Mountain High School’s Graphic Design Internship Program recently hit the road with its first-ever vehicle wrap project, completed in partnership with the school’s maintenance department. Guided by advisor Bernie Fritts, student interns designed and installed a custom golf cart wrap inspired by the iconic Scooby-Doo Mystery Machine.
Students led every phase of the creative process, from initial concept development and digital illustration in Adobe Illustrator to print production using the program’s Roland BN2-30 printer/cutter and professional vinyl wrap materials. Once the graphics were produced, interns collaborated to carefully install the wrap on the vehicle, gaining hands-on experience in large-format graphics, branding, and real-world production workflows.
The project provided students with the opportunity to apply industry-standard design and production techniques while working on a functional branding piece for the maintenance department. As the program’s first vehicle wrap, the project marked an exciting milestone and highlighted the expanding capabilities of Desert Mountain’s graphic design and print program.
Experiences like this help prepare students for future careers in graphic design, print production, branding, and visual communications by blending creativity, technical skills, and real-world application in a professional-style environment.
Chaparral Business Leaders: FBLA Makes a Statement in Tucson
Scottsdale’s competitive spirit was on full display last week as Chaparral High School’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter made a strong impact at the State Leadership Conference in Tucson. Competing against the top business students in Arizona, the Firebirds demonstrated that Chaparral is a true force in entrepreneurial thinking and financial expertise.
Under the guidance of advisor Dave White, the FBLA program continues to be more than a competition team, it is a training ground for future CEOs, innovators, and financial leaders. Students engage in rigorous preparation and real-world application, building the skills needed to succeed in today’s global economy.
That preparation paid off in Tucson, where Chaparral students delivered standout performances across multiple events:
- 1st Place – Entrepreneurship
Katelyn and Cyrus
A top finish that showcases bold thinking, innovation, and the ability to turn ideas into action. - 3rd Place – Banking & Financial Systems
Erin and Katelyn
Demonstrating precision, analysis, and a deep understanding of complex financial systems.
These achievements reflect both student dedication and the continued leadership of Dave White, whose commitment to the program provides students with meaningful opportunities to grow, compete, and lead.
At Chaparral, FBLA is not just about awards, it is about building confidence, developing real-world skills, and preparing students to step into their futures ready to make an impact.
A Tradition of Excellence in Healthcare Education at Saguaro High School
At Saguaro High School, the Healthcare Assistant CTE program is far more than a typical elective, it is a rigorous, hands-on pathway into the world of healthcare. Led by Victoria Pacheco, RN, and Marcy Cameron, RN, the program gives students real-world experience and a strong foundation for future careers in medicine.
From day one, students are immersed in meaningful learning that mirrors the expectations of the healthcare field. Through dual enrollment opportunities, they can earn college credit while still in high school, gaining a head start on their postsecondary education. Many also work toward Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA) certification, graduating with a professional credential in hand.
Just as importantly, the program opens doors to a wide range of healthcare careers, from nursing to medicine to specialized patient care, helping students discover their interests while building practical skills.
That preparation was recently showcased as Saguaro’s HOSA Nursing students competed against some of the top programs in the state. Demonstrating technical precision, confidence, and calm under pressure, students showed just how far their training has taken them.
We are thrilled to celebrate the following achievements:
|
Student(s) |
School |
Category |
Result |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Sadie Bloechel & Camryn Murphy |
Chaparral |
CPR/First Aid |
3rd Place (Advancing to Internationals!) |
|
Aralynn Kelso |
Chaparral |
Nursing Assistant |
4th Place |
|
Tori Hanneken & Ella Matz |
Saguaro |
Patient Care Technician |
State Competitors |
Tarnisha Tilson Named ACTE AZ New CTE Teacher of the Year
When Tarnisha Tilson stepped into her role at Chaparral High School, she set out to do more than teach, she set out to build something meaningful for students.
This spring, that impact was nationally recognized.
Tilson has been named the 2026 ACTE Arizona New CTE Teacher of the Year, an honor presented by the Association for Career and Technical Education of Arizona (ACTEAZ). The award celebrates outstanding educators early in their CTE career, who are already transforming classrooms across the state.
For Tilson, the recognition reflects a rapid and intentional journey. In less than three years, she has built a thriving Law & Public Safety program grounded in real-world learning, student engagement, and high expectations. What started as a new classroom has quickly become a space where students actively connect coursework to future careers and develop skills they can carry far beyond high school.
Her classroom has grown into a model of what Career and Technical Education can look like when students are trusted with meaningful work and challenged to rise to it.
That growth has not gone unnoticed.
Tilson will be formally recognized this July at the ACTEAZ Summer Connections Conference in Tucson, where educators from across Arizona gather to celebrate excellence in CTE. However, her journey doesn’t stop there.
As Arizona’s winner, she will go on to represent the state at the Region V Competition in Spring 2027, where she will compete alongside top new CTE educators from 16 western states and territories for regional and national honors.
For Chaparral High School, and Scottsdale Unified School District, Tilson’s recognition reflects the powerful teaching and learning happening every day in classrooms across the district. It is also a reminder of the impact one educator can have when passion meets purpose.
From a new teacher shaping her program to a state-recognized leader in CTE, Tarnisha Tilson’s story is still unfolding—but it is already one of growth, momentum, and lasting impact.
Congratulations to Ms. Tilson on this well-deserved honor!
High School to Personal Trainer: A New Path Starts Spring 2026
Big things are coming to the gym floor in Spring 2026. Students at Chaparral High School and Desert Mountain High School won’t just be learning about fitness, they’ll be stepping into the role of certified professionals. In an exciting new opportunity, students can earn the prestigious NASM (National Academy of Sports Medicine) Certified Personal Trainer (CPT) credential as part of their high school experience.
This groundbreaking addition transforms the traditional Sports Medicine pathway into a launchpad for real-world success. By offering the nationally recognized NASM-CPT certification, SUSD is giving students a powerful head start in the booming fitness and wellness industry, equipping them to graduate not only with a diploma, but with a respected professional credential that opens doors in gyms, health clubs, and beyond.
Key Highlights of the Expansion:
- Industry Recognition: The NASM-CPT is NCCA-accredited and highly sought after in the fitness industry.
- Hands-On Training: Students will move beyond basic anatomy to master human movement science, fitness assessments, and program design.
- Cost Savings: While professional NASM courses can cost upwards of $1,000, students in the CTE program receive the curriculum and exam preparation at no cost.
- Career Readiness: Graduates can enter the workforce immediately as certified personal trainers while pursuing further degrees in physical therapy, kinesiology, or athletic training.
Both Chaparral and Desert Mountain have long-standing reputations for robust Sports Medicine programs, often highlighted by their partnerships with organizations like Banner Health. The inclusion of NASM marks a shift toward more specialized, "job-ready" outcomes.
The curriculum will be delivered through a hybrid model, utilizing NASM’s digital learning platform alongside in-person lab hours where students practice wrapping, taping, and corrective exercise techniques.
The Spring 2026 launch serves as a pilot that will eventually expand to other SUSD campuses, including Saguaro, Arcadia, and Coronado.
Arcadia High Engineering Students Explore the Construction Frontier
The next generation of engineers and builders took center stage on March 10, as Career and Technical Education (CTE) students from Arcadia High School spent the morning with some local professionals. In a dynamic partnership aimed at bridging the skills gap, students participated in a specialized Construction Careers event coordinated by the Building Talent Foundation and hosted by industry leaders at Simpson Strong-Tie.
The highlight of the morning featured an informative speaker panel composed of local industry titans, including representatives from David Weekley Homes and Chas Roberts. These professionals moved beyond basic job descriptions, sharing personal stories of their journeys into:
- Structural Engineering
- Building Trades
- Construction Management
- Workforce Development and Outreach
Students engaged in a high-level Q&A session, asking pointed questions about the evolving landscape of the modern job market.
Hands-On Experience
The event wasn’t just about listening, it was about doing. Students stepped away from the podiums to work interactively with professional-grade tools and materials. Under the guidance of industry pros, they experienced the tactile reality of the building process, connecting their classroom technical knowledge with real-world professional application.
By the end of the day, the message was clear: the construction industry is no longer just about labor; it’s a high-tech, high-reward field looking for the bright minds currently sitting in SUSD classrooms.
Chaparral Business Students Excel at FBLA Region 2 Competition
Students from Chaparral High School’s Future Business Leaders of America (FBLA) chapter delivered a powerhouse performance at the recent FBLA Region 2 competition, earning multiple top-tier finishes across a wide range of business disciplines.
These accomplished students are part of the Business Operations program, a rigorous Career and Technical Education (CTE) pathway led by Mr. Dave White. The program equips students for the modern corporate world through specialized coursework, including Tech Fundamentals, My Digital Brand, and the Business Operations Internship.
A standout feature of the program is its partnership with Arizona State University (ASU), which gives students the opportunity to earn university credit for CIS105 (Computer Applications and Information Technology), providing these high achievers with a significant head start on their college careers.
Official FBLA Region 2 Results
|
Student(s) |
Placement |
Category |
|---|---|---|
|
Cyrus Sabahi & Katelyn Su |
1st Place |
Entrepreneurship |
|
Morgan Thorne & Erin O’Hanlon |
1st Place |
Marketing |
|
Cyrus Sabahi |
1st Place |
Agribusiness |
|
Tyler Sapecky |
1st Place |
Intro to Business Procedures |
|
Tyler Sapecky |
1st Place |
Intro to Business Concepts |
|
Jackson Trocki |
2nd Place |
Securities and Investments |
|
Katelyn Su & Erin O’Hanlon |
2nd Place |
Business and Financial Systems |
|
Morgan Thorne |
3rd Place |
Intro to Marketing |
|
Cooper Schiltz |
3rd Place |
Securities and Investments |
|
Cyrus Sabahi |
3rd Place |
Real Estate |
The Road to State and Nationals
Following this successful regional showing, these top-performing students will move on to the Arizona FBLA State Leadership Conference, held this April in Tucson, AZ.
Success at the state level will pave the way for the ultimate challenge: the FBLA National Leadership Conference. This year, the national competition will bring together the best young business minds from across the country in Anaheim, California. With their strong foundation in Business Operations and their recent regional sweep, Chaparral's competitors are well-positioned to make a mark on the national stage.
Coronado High School HOSA Students Clinch State Qualification in Stellar Debut
Students from Coronado High School’s Sports Medicine program reached a major milestone last week at the HOSA (Future Health Professionals) Eastern Region Conference. In the chapter’s very first year of competition, Aundrea Rodriguez and Zoey Valenzuela delivered an outstanding performance, placing fourth in their division.
Guided by Sports Medicine Instructor and Athletic Trainer Tessa Powell, Rodriguez and Valenzuela navigated a challenging series of events designed to test both clinical knowledge and hands-on healthcare skills. Their top five finish not only highlights their talent and dedication but also secures them a spot at the HOSA State Leadership Conference.
This impressive debut underscores the hard work and commitment of Coronado’s Sports Medicine program. The HOSA Regional Conferences serve as a qualifying ground for thousands of students across Arizona aspiring to enter the medical field. Rodriguez and Valenzuela’s fourth-place finish proves they are among the region’s top contenders.
The Coronado duo will now begin intensive preparations to represent their school at the Arizona HOSA State Leadership Conference, taking place this April in Tucson, AZ. A strong performance at the state level could earn them the opportunity to compete at the HOSA International Leadership Conference in Indianapolis, IN.
Career and Technical Education Month
February is Career and Technical Education Month, and we were proud to celebrate the incredible impact of CTE in Scottsdale Unified School District at Tuesday night’s Governing Board meeting.
Several outstanding CTE teachers were recognized for their unwavering commitment to student success, innovation in the classroom, and preparing students for college, careers, and life beyond graduation.
Earlier that same evening, the Scottsdale City Council and Mayor Lisa Borowsky officially proclaimed February as Career and Technical Education Month in the City of Scottsdale, further highlighting the importance of these programs in our community!
#BecauseKids #OurFocusTheirFuture #ChooseSUSD #SUSDCelebrates
Shifting Gears: Chaparral Students Experience STEM in the Fast Lane
Chaparral High School’s Robotics and Engineering students shifted into the fast lane on Saturday, January 17, 2026, as they took part in the high-octane Gearing Toward the Future STEM Fest at WestWorld of Scottsdale. Guided by teacher and advisor Steve Geislinger, students explored the dynamic intersection of advanced technology, engineering, and automotive innovation.
The group proudly represented SUSD by hosting a booth that showcased the cutting-edge projects emerging from Chaparral’s Robotics and Engineering programs. Throughout the day, students shared their passion for design, mechanics, and problem-solving with thousands of auction attendees and families, sparking curiosity and conversation around the future of STEM education.
The event, presented by Honeywell, also spotlighted the powerful partnership with the East Valley Institute of Technology (EVIT), demonstrating how collaborative educational pathways are fueling the next generation of technical talent. Surrounded by more than 2,000 world-class collector cars, students went beyond admiring polished exteriors, diving deep into the engineering that powers performance through live demonstrations and interactive displays.
From breaking down the engineering behind the Barrett-Jackson Cup to meaningful conversations with industry mentors, the day brought innovation to life and connected classroom learning to real-world application.
Cooking with a Legend: Chef Tarbell Takes Over Chaparral’s Kitchen
Chaparral High School’s Culinary Arts kitchen sizzled on January 20 when celebrity chef and Scottsdale staple Mark Tarbell swapped fine-dining flair for student aprons. Orchestrated by Chaparral Teacher and Chef Jack Trier, the visit brought a dose of real-world culinary swagger straight into the classroom, and Tarbell didn’t waste a second getting students to work.
Tarbell zeroed in on knife skills, guiding students through clean julienne techniques while reinforcing the golden rules of kitchen safety and mise en place. The lesson was fast-paced, hands-on, and fully aligned with Arizona’s state technical standards, the kind of training that mirrors life behind the line.
Then came the insider intel. Moving beyond the cutting board, Tarbell dished out career advice and industry truths, showing how math quietly runs the kitchen, from scaling recipes and tracking food costs to calculating yield and reducing waste. He also made one thing clear: the focus, grit, and professionalism students build in high school kitchens are exactly what top restaurants are hungry for.
Thanks to Chef Trier’s initiative, Chaparral students didn’t just sharpen their knives, they sharpened their vision for what’s next. It was a lesson served hot, memorable, and packed with real-world flavor.
The Culinary Arts program is open to all SUSD students and is completed in one year, during a two hour block course.
Science at Full Speed: Saguaro Students Go Beyond the Lab Doors
For Saguaro High School Biotechnology students, a peek into the future of medicine meant stepping into a world where science moves at the speed of innovation. Their recent visit to the ASU Biodesign Institute showed them just how fast ideas can go from lab bench to lifesaving impact. Famous for its rapid response innovation, the Institute became a hero during the COVID-19 pandemic, running a massive clinical testing lab that processed tens of thousands of samples daily to keep Arizona safe.
Under the guidance of Ms. Elizabeth Bond, students explored the very labs where scientists tackled some of the world’s toughest biological challenges. From high-tech instruments to collaborative research spaces, they saw firsthand how cutting-edge science comes together and realized that solving big problems takes both brains and teamwork.
The visit wasn’t just a history lesson in pandemic response; it was a roadmap to their own futures. Students mingled with researchers and university students, uncovering exciting pathways in genomics, neurotherapeutics, and bioengineering. By stepping out of the high school lab and into a world-class research hub, these aspiring scientists could imagine themselves at the forefront of biomedical innovation, from ASU classrooms to careers changing the world.
Saguaro’s Biotechnology program is open to all SUSD students. This one-year, two-hour block course packs in real lab experience and a head start on exploring life-changing careers in STEM.
Building Futures: Saguaro Students Explore Construction Management Careers
Approximately 30 Saguaro High School students and staff recently gathered in the Community Room on Monday, December 8th, for an exciting Lunch and Learn event focused on career opportunities in Construction Management.
This professional, high-energy session offered students an engaging look at an industry that spans far beyond traditional trades and Project Management. We were thrilled to host industry guests Dominic Berg (Saguaro Alumni and Chase Building Team employee) and Andy Fillion (McCarthy Builders), who shared their unique perspectives on building a successful career in construction.
Great news for future builders! Students will have the opportunity to register for a fantastic two-year program, complete with an internship option, beginning in August 2026.
Missed the first session? It's not too late to get in on the action! Students will have another chance to learn more at the second Lunch and Learn event on January 16th in the Saguaro High School Community Room.
Igniting Ambition in Scottsdale: High School Students Meet Rising Professionals at the U of A Center (Fueled by Chick-fil-A!)
The "SRYP: Leaders in the Making" event, hosted by The University of Arizona Scottsdale Center for the Scottsdale Area Chamber of Commerce , was a career networking and mentorship program for students from SUSD. Held on Friday, December 5, 2025, from 9:30 am to 1:30 pm, the event's primary goal was to connect students with young professionals to offer a real look at different careers. The morning began with a welcome and introductions from Stephanie Viboch, followed by Steven Kupcho presenting the SRYP Mission: "To educate, elevate, and collaborate with young professionals by providing a network where individuals can come together to support their career aspirations and the community. The goal of Scottsdale Rising Young Professionals (SRYP) is to build a link between this demographic and the business and community leaders of Scottsdale." This was followed by short speeches from Eric Luoma who serves on the Chamber's Board of Directors, SUSD Superintendent Dr. Scott Menzel, and Host Executive Director Sarah Fleury of the University of Arizona.
Following the opening remarks, the event shifted into a series of structured networking sessions. Students were divided into groups, rotating through tables hosted by young professionals representing various career fields. Lunch was sponsored and introduced by Chris Gammel of Chick-fil-A’s Raintree location. A fifth and final 20-minute rotation took place after lunch. The day concluded with a final gathering and closing remarks.