Inside a classroom on the campus of Penn State Greater Allegheny, a group of high school students pondered a question that took them deeper and deeper down the rabbit hole.
Just how far would they trust artificial intelligence? Would they trust an AI robot to perform a delicate medical procedure on them or a loved one? What if that AI had access to every medical record in the world related to the procedure? What if there was a human specialist in the room with a watchful eye on the AI?
Down the hall, another group of students explored the importance of mental health, including its impact on physical well-being. How did these high school students utilize self-care? What allowed them to relieve pressure or tension in those moments where they felt overwhelmed?
On the floor below, classrooms teamed with additional discussions about trauma within communities large and small, as well as the powerful presence of social media in our lives and the battle between providing people with a needed platform while amplifying negativity. In the building next door, student-athletes guided a discussion about navigating expectations versus reality as they juggled academics, athletics, social lives, and personal responsibilities.
These were just some of the scenes at the sixth annual Woodland Hills Student Summit, which empowers high school students from around the region to lead discussions on topics that matter to them. What began as a platform for Woodland Hills students to discuss grief and trauma now includes nearly 300 students from over 25 high schools from throughout Western Pennsylvania.
Along with host Woodland Hills, this year’s Student Summit featured students from Allderdice, Aliquippa, Avonworth, Belle Vernon, Brashear, Carlynton, Carrick, City of Bridges, Chartiers Valley, Forest Hills, Greater Johnstown, Mt. Lebanon, North Hills, Penn Hills, Perry Traditional Academy, Pittsburgh Public Sciences & Technology Academy, Seneca Valley, South Fayette, Upper St. Clair, University Prep, West Mifflin, Westinghouse, Westmont Hilltop, and additional Pittsburgh Public Schools students.
Founded by Woodland Hills High School English teacher Ms. Erin Wall, the core of the summit is student leadership and the empowerment of student voices through the discussion groups. Each topic is handpicked by student leaders, who prepare presentations and activities centered around their chosen discussion. This year the topics ran from school-centric to global issues. The topics included the evolution of AI, creating positive change in schools, social media influence, mental health, athletes’ mental health and responsibilities, voting and democracy, racial and social equity, human rights, LGBTQ+, and trauma and informed care.
This year’s summit logo design was created by Luciano Lopez of Belle Vernon, which then inspired a mural created by Ms. Janel Young. Ms. Young finalized the mural during the summit, and it will be placed inside a frame created by Woodland Hills High School teachers Mr. Paul Beard and Mr. Aaron Minor.
Students attended three discussion sessions throughout the day. During lunch, they had the opportunity to take part in a variety of activities, including an outdoor parachute game organized by the mental health student leader group, arts and crafts, relaxation with therapy dogs, sweet treats from Kona Ice, and a resource fair that featured organizations from around the region for students to connect with as they pursue their future career paths and community efforts.
While the summit is driven by the students, the Summit comes to life each year thanks the extensive efforts of Ms. Wall, Mr. Minor, and Ms. Kellie Irwin, the assistance of teacher leaders from participating schools, and the work by the entire team at Penn State Greater Allegheny. The Student Summit would not be possible without the generous support from the HEAR Foundation and the organizational support from Penn State 4-H Extension and the LIGHT Education Initiative.
