Every month during 2025-2026 school year, Mesa Public Schools will recognize a Spotlight School. The Spotlight School at the November 13th meeting was Red Mountain High School. Below is a video about the school and Principal Steve Tannenbaum remarks on each honoree.
Classified Staff Recognition - Robyn Dorsey
Robyn Dorsey is a cornerstone of Red Mountain High School. Working in our library, she supports students, college visits, guest speakers, teachers, and countless campus initiatives with professionalism, warmth, and care. Robyn truly wears many hats, but one of her most meaningful contributions is her leadership of the Red Mountain Way Campus Recognition Program.
Through this program, Robyn helps cultivate a culture where every student and staff member feels seen, valued, and appreciated. Red Mountain is built on the belief that each person matters, and Robyn ensures that belief comes to life every day. Last year alone, she supported the recognition of more than 5,440 students and 957 staff members, and this school year we’ve already honored over 2,400 students and 576 staff.
At Red Mountain, you are special, and you matter — and Robyn Dorsey makes sure you know it. Her passion, dedication, and heart have helped shape a culture of gratitude and belonging that continues to make Red Mountain an incredible place to learn, work, and grow.
Certified Staff Recognition – Kyle Enders
A proud Red Mountain alumnus, Kyle Enders continues to embody what it means to be part of the Mountain Lion family. As a special education teacher and head football coach, he builds authentic connections with students—on and off the field—through trust, accountability, and care.
For Coach Enders, the program is about more than football; it’s about shaping young men into leaders who value teamwork, discipline, and community. Known as a leader among coaches both on campus and across the state, he is deeply respected for his commitment to excellence and integrity.
Beyond the classroom and the field, Kyle is a dedicated family man and community member, investing his time and heart into the people who make Red Mountain special. His impact reaches far beyond Friday nights, leaving a lasting mark on every student and athlete he mentors.
Student Recognition – Payton Westra
Payton Westra represents the true epitome of a student-athlete. Ranked 50th out of 851 in her graduating class at Red Mountain High, she has excelled in the classroom while competing at the highest levels of athletics.
A four-year letter winner in softball and a proud member of Team USA Women’s Softball, Payton has also represented Red Mountain in basketball, badminton, and volleyball. Her athletic excellence is unmatched—earning Player of the Year honors in softball, basketball, and badminton during her time as a Mountain Lion.
Beyond her success in competition, Payton has taken on a rigorous academic load, enrolling in multiple Honors, AP, and Dual Enrollment courses throughout high school, all while maintaining a 4.3 College Core GPA.
A fantastic representative of Red Mountain High School and Mesa Public Schools, Payton’s dedication, leadership among her peers, and relentless pursuit of excellence have earned her a commitment to continue her academic and athletic journey at the University of Oklahoma.