Some of our Rio Rico High School Interact Club members attended pasta kitchen this past weekend at the Crossroad Mission Family Center in Nogales. They were able to help prepare meals for over 40 individuals! 🍲Our students are always seeking out ways to collaborate with groups to help give back to the community.
At RRHS, Victor was the managing editor of the school newspaper, The Talon, and co-captain of the school’s first Cross Country team to compete at State (even though, as he fondly recalls, he was the team’s slowest runner). After graduation, he became a Regents Scholar at ASU, earning a B.A. in Broadcast Journalism with a Minor in Spanish, graduating magna cum laude, and being named ASU’s Outstanding Student Leader in 2002.
Although he went to college wanting to become a journalist, his experiences volunteering in Rio Rico's Interact Club and coaching in San Cayetano Little League and Rio Rico Youth Hoops led him to pursue opportunities to work with youth and a career in education rather than journalism. He went on to earn an M.A. in Education Equity and Social Justice from San Francisco State University as well as a Ph.D. in Education Leadership and Policy Studies from Arizona State University.
In his education career, he has taught high school and middle school, as well as undergraduate and graduate courses at Arizona State University and Grand Canyon University. He has served as a district administrator in the Isaac Elementary School District and the Phoenix Elementary School District, before working for WestEd where he currently engages in education research and consultant services with schools and communities across the country. In addition, he has served as member of the Governing Board of the Osborn School District, a board member with Los Diablos, the Hispanic alumni association of Arizona State University, and on the board of RAMMS, a youth sports league in Phoenix. Almost 30 years after graduating from Rio Rico, he continues to serve his community through education and youth sports, modeling his service and leadership after amazing mentors like Coach Fanning, Coach Schadler, and many other educators in SCV35.
Nearly 30 years after graduating from Rio Rico, his dedication to education and community remains as strong as ever. ❤️👏
✨ We are proud to announce that Santa Cruz County District 3 Supervisor, Mr. John Fanning, will be inducted into the SCV35 Distinguished Hall of Fame this month!
For 35.5 years, John Fanning dedicated his career to Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District No. 35, serving as a teacher, coach, athletic director, principal, and most recently, District Outreach Coordinator. His impact on generations of students, staff, and families is immeasurable.
Born in Illinois and later raised in Green Valley, John went on to earn his Bachelor’s in Education and Master’s in Educational Leadership from Northern Arizona University. Guided by his motto “Service Above Self,” he has devoted his time not only to education but also to countless community organizations, from Rio Rico Rotary to the Santa Cruz County United Way, First Things First, Santa Cruz Training Program Board, Santa Cruz County Provisional Community College Board and many more.
A proud husband, dad, and “Pops,” John’s legacy is one of service, leadership, and love for his community. We are thrilled to celebrate his incredible journey and welcome him into the Hall of Fame! 🌟
Born in Nogales and raised in Rio Rico, Ariana graduated from RRHS in 2016, where she made history as the first softball player from our school to compete at the collegiate level. She went on to Arizona Christian University, earning her degree in Communications, magna cum laude, before beginning a promising career in journalism.
From her start at Azteca Tucson to her current role as a multimedia journalist at Telemundo Arizona—a top 10 media market—Ariana has shared countless stories that inform and inspire. She also hosts the bilingual segment “Qué Tal Arizona” on Telemundo’s newscast, continuing her passion for highlighting voices in the community.
As the eldest of three sisters, Ariana has always strived to be a role model, and today she inspires not only her family but also the many who follow her journey in broadcasting. We are thrilled to celebrate her achievements and welcome her into the Hall of Fame! 🌟
Attention families, there are no plans to cancel classes at any SCV35 school at this time. Student safety is always our top priority, and we will continue to provide updates should anything else change. Thank you for your continued support and cooperation.
This new tradition was created to celebrate family, unity, and the bond between players and their loved ones as they placed decals on their helmets together. A meaningful way to kick off the season and build stronger connections between our athletes, their families, and the program!
Out of 143 submissions, Mr. McIlrath was selected for Best of Show at their Members-Only Show! A special thank you to his colleagues and friends, Mr. Miguel Grijalva and Mr. Mark Dittmar, for supporting and cheering him on throughout the process.
SCV35 is truly fortunate to have art teachers like Mr. McIlrath who inspire our students, nurture their creativity, and encourage them to shine as artists. 🌟
Alli’s career began at Rio Rico High School, where she directed symphonic, jazz, and marching bands, taught music theory, percussion, and color guard, and sponsored the school’s Tri-M chapter. Under her leadership, the Rio Rico Marching Hawks proudly represented Arizona in the 2007 National Memorial Day Parade in Washington, D.C., and the Jazz Ensemble brought home the Judges Most Outstanding Award at the 2012 Highland Jazz Festival. The bands consistently earned Superior ratings at festivals, and in 2012, she was named SCV35 Teacher of the Year.
Her passion for music education took her to the University of Arizona, where she earned her Master’s in Wind Band Conducting, served as Interim Associate Director of Bands, and directed the Pride of Arizona Marching Band. For more than two decades, she has inspired young musicians as a conductor, teacher, and clinician across Arizona and Florida. Today, she continues to share her love for music as an orchestra director, adjudicator, and leader in statewide music education organizations.
Congratulations, Ms. Howard! Your talent, leadership, and dedication have left a lasting legacy in SCV35 and beyond.
Santa Cruz Valley Unified School District is excited to be working with Cartwheel! 🌟 This resource will help our students access virtual mental health care and therapy with no waitlists.
Their qualified team of specialists are ready to provide services and treatment to our students. Get started and learn more by reading the attached flyers, or by visiting https://www.cartwheel.org/families
All SCV35 schools and district office will be closed on Monday, September 1 in observance of Labor Day. Classes will resume on Tuesday, September 2. Enjoy the long weekend, everyone!
👏 Maria Reyes – Student of the Month
📚 Ms. Ramona Soza – Teacher of the Month
🌟 Ms. Karla Sosa – Support Staff of the Month
Each of these outstanding Hawks demonstrates true pride in our community and brings a strong, consistent presence to their role every day. We are grateful for their dedication and proud to have them as part of the Hawk family! 💙🦅❤️
Last night, our Governing Board Members and Calabasas School Principal Mr. Chavez recognized Sophia Yocupicio for her great achievement of winning first place in this year's National Championship in Taekwondo in Ontario, California! 🥋🥇
Sophia won gold for sparring in her class of yellow belt, and was also nominated for athlete of the year! 🌟Vote for her here: https://athleteoftheyear.org/2025/sophia-46d6
Join us on October 7 starting at 5:00 pm. 🗓️
🚨 Rio Rico High School is hiring! 🚨
We’re looking for a passionate Head Spirit Line Coach and an Assistant Spirit Line Coach to lead our team to new heights! Apply now at https://www.scv35.org/page/human-resources
👏 Congratulations to everyone involved in bringing this visionary project to life — the future is here, and it starts now!
Mr. McIlrath’s work continues to inspire with its creativity and dedication, and we are incredibly fortunate to have him as part of the CtMS team. His passion for the arts not only shines through in his own work but also in the way he brings out the very best in our students. 💫🖌️
https://gofan.co/app/school/AZ24394
