Students from five local districts: Glendale, Pasadena, South Pasadena, Burbank, and La Cañada participated in the summit (Photo – Jennifer Hall Lee)
Public high school students gathered for the first annual Five Star Student Leadership Summit, hosted at Rosemont Middle School in Glendale.
By Jennifer Hall Lee
The summit is called “Five Star” because it is rooted in the Five Star Coalition, a partnership among five local districts: Glendale, Pasadena, South Pasadena, Burbank, and La Cañada. The coalition is made up of superintendents and board members who meet monthly to share updates, concerns, and best practices.
The idea for a student-focused Five Star event came from Glendale Board President Ingrid Gunnell, a member of the coalition, who said she “wanted the students to be able to collaborate across districts just as we adults do.” She credited GUSD staff for bringing the idea to life, saying they “took the idea and planned a day that exceeded my expectations.”
The morning keynote was delivered by Vince Luculano, a Glendale Unified alumnus and YMCA leader, who shared the story of his unique academic and career journey, one that held the students’ attention throughout.
The Ideal High School
After the keynote, students broke into mixed-district groups to brainstorm their vision of an “ideal high school,” writing their ideas on large sheets of paper.
Many of their suggestions already exist in some form on their campuses, and students emphasized how important it is to preserve and expand them. Their ideas included:
- “personalized levels of learning”
- “no more grade pressure”
- “more teacher support”
- “free lunch”
- “better ways to get news out” about positive district events
- “green spaces”
- “mental health counselors”
- “lower student-to-staff ratios”
- “better sports facilities”
- “no finals (but presentations)”
- “flexible schedules”
- “conversation pits”
- “a caring environment where people support each other”
The atmosphere throughout the room was calm, respectful, and fun.
The Panel Discussion
A long bench, complete with student nameplates, was set for the panel discussion, where participants responded to three questions. Student moderator Vera Garabedian, a Glendale Unified Student Board Member, led the discussion with a level of professionalism comparable to that of a national debate moderator.
Question 1: What does your district do well?
Students highlighted strengths across their districts. One Glendale Unified student said his school “excels in all things they do,” adding that staff “respect you and always want to help you.” Another Glendale student shared that her district prepares “students for college” effectively “through courses and extracurriculars.”
A Pasadena Unified student spoke about the student think tank, which brings together students from across the district and allows them to build relationships with board members. A South Pasadena Unified student emphasized his district’s “amazing sense of community,” fostered through activities and a focus on “what the students actually want.”
Question 2: What do you want adults—teachers and leaders—to understand about student experiences?
Students were candid about challenges. A Glendale Unified student noted that many students experience burnout during the school year. Another agreed and pointed to the value of enrichment periods, describing them as “the best option to get help from teachers” when struggling.
A South Pasadena student called for stronger communication, citing confusion around policies such as attendance requirements and their impact on graduation. A La Cañada Unified student shared that many students are “afraid to make connections,” suggesting teachers take a more active role in helping build those relationships.
Another South Pasadena student emphasized that administrators should recognize that “everyone has their own unique set of circumstances” and take a more individualized approach.
Question 3: What is one thing going well—or one thing you would change?
A Pasadena Unified student discussed the district’s consolidation committee, which is reviewing the potential closure of schools. She described the process as “really tough,” noting that “people are worried,” and called for more big-picture analysis and “progressive, holistic solutions that are not traditionally considered.”
Several students returned to the theme of burnout. A South Pasadena student said adults may not realize how hard students are trying, which can unintentionally increase pressure. He suggested better awareness of “when to push students” and “when to step back.”
Another student added, “If I could talk to the adults, I would say let us know it’s okay to calm down, we just have so much pressure,” linking that pressure directly to burnout.
A Glendale Unified student called for “less academic stress,” challenging the expectation that success must follow traditional paths like becoming a doctor or lawyer. She noted that evolving career opportunities offer students “so much more to offer” in a changing world.
GUSD Board President Ingrid Gunnell said she was inspired by “the student interactions, joy, and willingness to participate.”
The Five Star Student Leadership Summit successfully elevated student voices, offering a space for honest dialogue, collaboration, and connection. It’s an event worth watching, and returning to, next year.
Five Star Student Leadership Summit at Rosemont Middle School (Photo – Jennifer Hall Lee)
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