1. Record number of graduates 715 in Class of 2009

13. Thank you, Sunnyside Neighborhood Association and Cox Communications The Sunnyside Neighborhood Association, joined by Tucson Mayor Bob Walkup and representatives of Congressman Raúl Grijalva, the chiefs of the Tucson Police and Fire departments, and Pima County Attorney Barbara LaWall, presented encouragement awards to two students from each SUSD school. The Neighborhood Association awarded $400 to six seniors and, for the first time, Cox Communications matched the awards.

14. Thank you, Southwest Foodservice Excellence Southwest Foodservice Excellence is the premier sponsor of the Kino Rotary Club’s golf tournament, to be held July 11 at Canoa Hills. Proceeds from the golf tournament will fund dictionaries for all Sunnyside District third- graders.

15. Rewards for recycling at Elvira Elvira Elementary School was recognized as one of the top four schools in the nation in a recycling program sponsored by the Doubletree Hotel.

16. Drexel Elementary awarded $15,000 veggies grant Drexel Elementary school has been awarded a $15,000 Hidden Valley Love Your Veggies school grant to support healthy eating and lifestyle activities for children. The grant money will be used to implement fresh fruit and vegetable programs.

17. Esperanza penny program boosts attendance Students in three Esperanza Elementary School classes received a penny for each day they came to school on time. Pennies were on display so students, parents and staff could see the success of the program and be reminded of the importance of attendance. Money raised will go toward student rewards and a scholarship fund. Esperanza students and KVOA-4 reporter Sandy Rathbun

18. Kory DeBerry ranked #1 in nation Wrestling USA Magazine has ranked Sunnyside High wrestler Kory DeBerry number one freshman/sophomore wrestler in the nation in his weight class.

19. Honors from Luz Social Services Luz Social Services, Inc. honored Raúl Hodgers, assistant principal of Desert View High School as Administrator of the Year and Desert View teacher and coach Bert Otero as Richard Sanchez Coach of the Year.

20. Lifelong learners earn degrees Congratulations to  Sierra Middle School SUN teacher Deborah Dimmett, Ph.D. She earned her doctorate degree from the University of Arizona in Language, Reading and Culture, with a minor in Anthropology.  Sierra Middle School teacher Julie Matthews, who earned her master’s degree from the University of Arizona in Teacher Training Education.  Dora Castro Almanza, former campus monitor for Sunnyside High School, who earned her bachelor’s degree from the University of Arizona in Family Studies and Human Development with thematic minors in Spanish and Anthropology.

21. Inspira a una nueva generación A feature on Desert View High School English and Creative Writing teacher Maria Elena Wakamatsu was published in the Arizona Daily Star June 8 and in a cover story in La Estrella de Tucson June 5.

22. SUSD hosts C.A.R.E. Fair Who: The entire community is invited What: Arizona’s largest health and safety fair for children When: Friday, July 17 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. Saturday, July 18 9 a.m. – 3 p.m. Where: Sunnyside High School