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Inspiring Excellence - April

Casa Grande Union High School District

Inspiring Excellence - April Casa Grande Union High School District
Inspiring Excellence- AprilCasa Grande Union High School District

Superintendent Jeff Lavender Superintendent Jeff Lavender

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Superintendent’s Message

As we move into April, our district enters one of the most exciting and meaningful times of the school year. The weeks ahead are filled with important milestones, celebrations, and opportunities to recognize the hard work and achievements of our students and staff.

With graduation just around the corner, there is a renewed sense of energy across our campuses. Seniors are preparing to take their final steps toward this significant accomplishment, while underclassmen continue to stay focused and finish the year strong. It is a time that reflects both reflection and anticipation—honoring how far our students have come while looking ahead to the bright futures that await them.

In the coming weeks, we look forward to celebrating our students through a variety of awards ceremonies. These events highlight excellence in academics, athletics, and scholarship, and they serve as a powerful reminder of the dedication, perseverance, and talent within our district. Whether it’s recognizing top academic achievers, honoring outstanding athletic performances, or awarding scholarships that support future goals, each ceremony is a moment to celebrate success and inspire continued growth.

We are incredibly proud of all our students and grateful to the families, teachers, coaches, and staff members who support them every step of the way. Your commitment makes these achievements possible and strengthens our entire community.

As we approach graduation, we invite everyone to join us in celebrating these accomplishments and in supporting our students as they finish the year with pride. It is truly a special time, and we look forward to sharing these memorable moments together.


Rotary Students of The Month Rotary Students of The Month

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CGUHS - Maeve Martinez

CGUHS Rotary Student of the Month Maeve Martinez is recognized for her academic excellence, leadership, and service. She has earned Academic Excellence all four years, participated in multiple CTE programs, and holds leadership roles in Student Council, Key Club, NHS, and Mu Alpha Theta, while also serving as football team manager.

After graduation, she plans to attend Central Arizona College and transfer to Northern Arizona University to pursue Physical Therapy.

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VGHS - Layla Guy

Vista Grande’s April Rotary Student of the Month is Layla Guy

A dedicated leader and high-achieving student, Layla serves as Student Council President and is involved in NHS, SADD, SAAC, Varsity Cheer, and Dance Company. She is Salutatorian (2nd in her class) while earning her AA from CAC and has received 75+ college acceptances.

CTE Students of the Month CTE Students of the Month

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CGUHS - Mylez Jones

CGUHSD Career and Technical Education Student of the Month for April 2026 is Mylez Jones of Casa Grande Union High School. He was recognized at the April 13th school board meeting after being nominated by his Marketing/DECA teacher, Mr. David Carter.

Mylez is a standout student in the Marketing/DECA program and works in the Cougar Den DECA Store, where he has become a dependable leader and “go-to” team member. He consistently earns top grades, supports daily operations, offers improvements, and shows strong initiative, respect, and a positive attitude.

Congratulations, Mylez!

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VGHS - Brandan Simmons

CGUHSD Career and Technical Education Student of the Month for April 2026 is Brandan Simmons of Vista Grande High School. He was recognized at the April 13th school board meeting after being nominated by his Marketing teacher, Ms. Annie Hunter.

Brandan is a dedicated member of the CTE Marketing program and works in the Spartan Store, where he demonstrates strong responsibility, professionalism, and customer service skills. He is respectful, helpful, and a positive team player who contributes to a welcoming environment for both customers and classmates.

Congratulations, Brandan!

PACE Student of the Month PACE Student of the Month

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PACE Student of the Month: Julian Genis

PACE Student of the Month: Julian Genis
Julian is committed to showing up and putting in the effort every day. He stands out for the way he carries himself—sharp, intellectual, and driven. Outside of school, Julian competes in mixed martial arts and values the discipline and community it brings. Congratulations, Julian!

Employee of the Month Employee of the Month

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VGHS - Jason Scherr

CGUHSD Employee of the Month is Jason Scherr, a social studies teacher at Vista Grande High School. He leads the We the People program, which earned a national opportunity to compete in Washington, D.C., an achievement made possible through his dedication and leadership.

Mr. Scherr is known for supporting his department and students without seeking recognition. He has also been selected as the only high school instructor to receive the John J. Ross Memorial Award for Excellence in Law-Related Education.

Congratulations, Mr. Scherr!

District News District News

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2026/2027 Registration Now Open!

Registration is officially open for the 2026/2027 school year. Check out our registration page here: Registration 2026/2027 | Casa Grande Union High School District

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Graduation 2026

For more information on graduation 2026, please visit: Graduation 2026 | Casa Grande Union High School District
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2025-2026 Academic Calendar

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Attendance Matters

Cougar News Cougar News

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Bell Schedule 25-26

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CGUHS Event Bag Policy

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Sculpture Repair

A big thank you to CG Union welding teacher Mark Luna and student Alexander Cochran for generously donating their time and talent to repair the sculpture in front of the Casa Grande Rec Center!
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Skills USA Competition

CGUHS is at the SKILLS USA competition!

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Volunteering at Pinal County Animal Care and Control

Members of CG Union’s National Honor Society, led by advisor Kim Batina, spent time volunteering at the Pinal County Animal Care and Control, helping walk dogs and give them some much-needed love and attention. Their kindness and commitment to service truly make a difference—for both our community and these furry friends waiting for their forever homes.

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FCCLA Culinary Arts

Huge congratulations to our talented FCCLA Culinary Arts students from Casa Grande Union High School who recently competed at the Arizona FCCLA State Leadership Conference in Tucson!

Under the guidance of FCCLA teacher Jaque Arvizu, these students spent three days competing against high school students from across the state—and their hard work paid off with an impressive collection of medals!

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Graduation 2026

Click here for more information on graduation 2026: Graduation 2026 | Casa Grande Union High School

Spartan News Spartan News

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VGHS Yearbook

yearbookordercenter.com - 16131
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VGHS Event Bag Policy

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STEAM Fair

Vista Grande High School had their STEAM Fair and students really showed out with their projects! From creative designs to innovative ideas, it was awesome to see their hard work and talent on display. Great job, Spartans!

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Community Bonding

Vista Grande football players spent the afternoon hanging out with Desert Willow students — building connections, sharing smiles, and making a positive impact in our community.
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Journalism Field Trip

Students from Vista Grande High School’s journalism program, led by teachers Jesse Labiste and Cristine Omalay, recently took an incredible field trip to the Casa Grande Dispatch to experience the world of news and publishing firsthand.
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MCJROTC

The Vista Grande High School MCJROTC air rifle team closed out the 2026 National Air Rifle New Shooter League with a thrilling win over Daniel Boone, 1076.8–1073.5, to finish a perfect 8-0 season and claim 1st place overall.

Led by Dulce Ramirez (272.and a strong team effort from Enrique Sites, Dylan Baldenegro, and Elliott Canez, the Spartans battled back in the final standing stage to secure the victory.

From start to finish, this team showed consistency, resilience, and dominance all season long.

Way to represent, Spartans!

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Graduation 2026

Click here for more information on graduation 2026: Graduation 2026 | Vista Grande High School

Python News Python News

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Art Mobile

Thank you to Lisa Swanson from Art Mobile for visiting PACE and leading a fun faux stained glass art activity with the students! Your creativity and passion made for an engaging and memorable experience—we appreciate you inspiring our young artists!

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Community Interviews

Community members came out to PACE to be mock interviewed by students.
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Impact Day

April 24th, 2026, 1362 N Casa Grande Avenue

Important Dates Important Dates

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Important Dates

April 16 = CG Football Meet Your Coach

April 18 = PROM!!!

April 21 = VG Football Meet Your Coach

April 24 = PACE Impact Day

April 29 = CG Senior Sunset

April 30 = CG Underclassmen Academic Awards

May 1 = CG Senior Academic Awards

May 2 = CG Baseball Golf Tournament

May 7 = VG Academic Night

May 13 = CG Scholarship Awards

May 14 = VG Athletic Award Night

May 16 = Graduation Powwow

Tax Credit Tax Credit

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Donate Today


Arizona Tax Credit

Our Schools Our Schools

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Inspiring Excellence

Casa Grande Union High School

PACE High School

Summer School

Vista Grande High School

Governing Board Governing Board

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Governing Board

Regular Monthly Meetings

2nd Monday of Month (*typically)

*unless there is a conflict & approved by Board


More Information

Contact Us Contact Us

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Casa Grande Union High School District

1362 N Casa Grande Ave

Casa Grande, AZ 85122

520-316-3360 Phone

520-316-3352 Fax

contact@cguhsd.org Email

cguhsd.org Website

Connect With Us Connect With Us

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Facebook

facebook.com/CGUHSDistrict

Instagram

@cguhsdistrict
X (Formerly Twitter)

@CGUHSD_82

Governing Board Meetings Live

@cguhsdcasagrandeunionhighs6531/streams

YouTube Channel

@cguhsdcasagrandeunionhighs6531

YouTube Videos

@cguhsdcasagrandeunionhighs6531/videos

Submit Articles and Photos Submit Articles and Photos

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Inspiring Excellence Newsletter

Article & Photo Submissions

Ava Villareal, Social Media Specialist

@avillareal@cguhsd.org

Jennifer Kortsen
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