¡Adelante! Summit Empowers Students Through Leadership and Innovation

The 2026 ¡Adelante! Student Leadership Summit brought creativity and innovation to Puyallup High School (PHS) recently as junior high and high school students came together for a day of collaboration, cultural pride, and student leadership. Centered on the theme “My Story, My Worth, My Power,” the event paired student voice with real-world problem-solving in a Shark Tank–style design challenge.

Students from Aylen and Kalles junior highs worked in small groups, alongside PHS student leaders from the school's Latinos Unidos Club, developing ideas to improve school experiences for all students.

Throughout the morning, students brainstormed products, programs and other innovative ideas ranging from storytelling projects to STEM-based concepts, as well as new clubs and schoolwide initiatives. Adult volunteers supported the teams, offering encouragement and helping students refine their pitches.

Then, during the Shark Tank-style challenge, community leaders, district staff and invited “Sharks” listened to student presentations and scored each idea using a shared rubric.

The result was a day of learning filled with thoughtful solutions, creative thinking and proud celebrations of student leadership.

We thank our student leaders with Latinos Unidos, the volunteers who served as mentors and "Sharks," as well as the community partners who helped make the event a celebration of identity, leadership and creativity.