Students from West Mifflin recently attended the Sixth Annual Woodland Hills Student Summit held at Penn State Greater Allegheny. This event was created to provide students with a space to share, learn from one another, and gain important life skills. Over 300 participants from more than 25 Western Pennsylvania school districts took part.
- Attendees chose from a range of session topics, including:
- Artificial Intelligence (AI) and trust in medical procedures
- Mental health and self-care practices
- Trauma within communities
- Social media influence and its impact
- Navigating the balance of academics, athletics, and personal life for student-athletes
- Voting and democracy
- Racial/social equity, human rights, LGBTQ+ issues, and trauma-informed care
“Events like this provide a valuable platform for students to explore critical topics and learn from one another,” said Christine O’Lare, a teacher and sponsor of the PBIS Team Titans leadership group at the high school. “Creating spaces for open discussion is essential in empowering students with the knowledge and skills they need to navigate their future.”
Victoria Lauterbach, a senior, led a discussion on voting and democracy, emphasizing the importance of being an informed citizen. Jada Downs and Taylor Krivanek, both sophomores, led a session focused on mental health strategies for athletes. The session leaders used engaging games and activities to facilitate learning and encourage open discussions where participants shared experiences and best practices.
In total, 11 West Mifflin students attended this impactful event.
During the afternoon lunch break, students had the chance to de-stress through various activities, including therapy dogs that were available for relaxation. Additionally, students visited a resource fair featuring information on career and community connections.
“We are grateful students had the opportunity to take on leadership roles and participate in this event for the second year in a row,” said Ms O’Lare. “Students have already volunteered to be leaders at next year’s event which will certainly be another learning opportunity.”