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SUSD honors innovation grant winners, student public‑health advocacy and state essay winner

Scottsdale Unified District (4240) Governing Board · November 19, 2025

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Summary

At the Nov. 20 meeting, Scottsdale Unified recognized five recipients of its 2025‑26 innovation startup grants, a student whose campaign helped update the city's vaping ordinance, and a fifth‑grader who won the Arizona State Treasury essay contest.

The Scottsdale Unified School District used part of its Nov. 20 governing board meeting to celebrate students and staff. Assistant Superintendent Leah Mitchell presented five recipients of the district’s 2025–26 Innovation Startup Grants — projects at Mojave Math & Science Academy, Tavon Elementary, Laguna Elementary, Coronado High School, and Redfield Elementary — designed to expand STEAM and makerspace learning across grade levels.

The board also recognized student leader Sid Gupta of Desert Mountain High School for a year‑long advocacy campaign that helped persuade Scottsdale leaders to amend city ordinance 4689 to ban vaping and electronic cigarettes in public places and employment settings. Principal John Andrews and Assistant Superintendent Melissa Saccos praised Sid’s petition and collaboration with municipal leaders and public‑health organizations.

Assistant Superintendent Christine Bono honored Hudson Holy, a fifth‑grader at Desert Canyon Elementary, as one of 20 statewide winners of the 2025 Arizona State Treasury 'Dream. Write. Win.' essay contest; winners received $529 toward an AZ529 education savings account and were honored at the State Capitol.

Board members and district staff highlighted community events tied to the district’s celebrations, including the SUSD Education Expo and recognition of Chaparral High School’s girls golf team state championship.