Students Unite for ASB Leadership Summit 

Dozens of Seattle high school students stepped into their roles as leaders and advocates on Feb. 28, filling West Seattle High School with music, ideas, and conversation during the Seattle ASB Leadership Summit. Organized by students for students, the summit brought together Associated Student Body leaders from high schools across the city for a day focused on collaboration and civic engagement. 

Designed as a student-driven space for leadership development, the summit combined a pep-assembly-style opening with workshops on topics ranging from public speaking to equity and community partnerships. City and school district leaders joined students at the opening of the event, reinforcing the message that young people play a vital role in shaping Seattle’s future. 

The day began with a high-energy opening assembly in the school gym, featuring performances by West Seattle High School student groups, including the drumline, cheer team, and the band Across 35th. The opening set a celebratory tone and reflected the student-driven spirit of the event.  

Seattle Mayor Katie Wilson and Seattle Public Schools Superintendent Ben Shuldiner both offered brief remarks during the opening program, encouraging students to see themselves as organizers and activists within their schools and communities. Mayor Wilson described the students as community organizers and urged them to stay engaged, calling on them to hold city leaders accountable and to help shape Seattle’s future.  

Superintendent Shuldiner thanked students for their leadership and participation, noting his own background as a high school teacher and emphasizing the importance of student voice in public education. His remarks underscored the role students play in strengthening school communities and advocating for change.  

“It’s because of the students’ vitality, the students’ energy, the student thought, and your voice telling us how to better serve you,” Shuldiner said. 

Following the opening program, students participated in a series of breakout sessions held throughout the day. Session topics included event planning, public speaking, sustainable leadership, community partnerships, equity and diversity, school spirit, student wellness, and ASB finances. Participants selected multiple sessions, allowing them to tailor the experience to their interests and leadership goals.  

Throughout the summit, students emphasized collaboration and the importance of maintaining communication across schools. West Seattle High School senior Jim Guevara is the creator of the event and took the lead in organizing. He described the day as an opportunity for student leaders to share ideas, learn best practices, and build lasting connections that extend beyond a single day.  

“My goal is to have, hopefully, all comprehensive high schools and alternative schools in SPS be connected and to have an annual meeting,” Guevara said. “I think my goal for this whole Seattle ASB Leadership Summit is for this to be a recurring thing where annually, schools come together. Maybe another school might host this next year. 

The Seattle ASB Leadership Summit concluded with students returning to their schools equipped with new ideas, strengthened networks, and a shared sense of purpose rooted in student leadership and civic engagement.