Santa Cruz Valley Unified board honors state- and regional-level student athletes and student artists

The Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District Governing Board on March 24 recognized several students and programs for regional and statewide achievements, including two state‑level wrestling honors, a regional soccer championship, winter guard competition success and a third‑grade artist who won a statewide scholarship.

Superintendent Verdugo opened the recognitions by introducing Rio Rico High School wrestler Ariana Vasquez and describing her role in pioneering female wrestling at the school. Vasquez told the board about serious injuries she overcame, saying that in 2017 she "broke my neck" with ‘‘C5, C6 completely obliterated’’ and later had multiple knee surgeries before returning to national‑level competition. "I've learned that the journey is what really teaches you so many things," she said.

The board also honored Jessen Octavio, introduced as the Rio Rico student who won the Division II, 235‑pound state championship. The presenter said Jessen finishes her high‑school career with a 75–21 record and has verbally committed to Pacific University in Forest Grove, Oregon, to continue wrestling. In brief remarks, Jessen thanked the board, coaches and family for support and said extra tournament opportunities made a “huge difference” in reaching the state title.

Administrators and coaches highlighted the Rio Rico boys soccer team for capturing a regional championship — its first since 2007 — and advancing to the round of 16. The district named individual honors, including first‑team all‑region selections and the region coach of the year, and noted the team’s overall record and upset victory over a higher‑ranked opponent during postseason play.

The winter guard program was praised for rapid growth: presenters said the team won competitions, was reclassified to face tougher opponents, and will compete in an upcoming state contest. A coach announced a friends‑and‑family performance scheduled for March 31 at Rio Rico High School as a final local run‑through before state.

At the elementary level, a Calabasas School student, Leonardo (Leo), was recognized for winning a statewide art contest and receiving an AZ 529 scholarship of $520. The presenter said the state contest drew 906 entries across 15 counties and named 19 statewide winners; Leo was described as the only winner from Santa Cruz County.

Board members and coaches repeatedly framed the recognitions as examples of student grit, community support and district investments in year‑round programming. Several board members encouraged students to "dream big," thanked parents and staff for sacrifices, and urged the community to attend upcoming events.

The recognitions portion of the evening included photo opportunities and brief audience congratulations. The board's next scheduled meeting is April 14; winter guard and other teams were preparing for competitions in the coming weeks.

The recognitions began in the presentations segment of the agenda and concluded before the meeting moved to executive session and subsequent business.