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Inspired Students! The Huntington Youth Summit Project on Civic Engagement

By: Dr. Marie Sutton, Natural Sciences Department Co-Chair
This summer, I was delighted to participate in the week-long Educator Institute at the Huntington Library and Botanical Gardens, preparing educators to guide students through the Huntington Youth Summit’s year-long research projects.

This year, I’m excited to guide 11 students exploring the theme “Places We Inhabit,” with a focus on communities, the Eaton Fire, and Altadena. Inspired by The Huntington’s “This Land Is…” exhibition, students will explore the history, experiences, challenges, and hopes of the Altadena community, including through interviews with community members—many of whom were directly impacted by the fire.

Their projects will connect to six concepts featured by The Huntington: Roots, Uprootings, Amendments, Edge Effects, Disturbances, and Regenerations.

On August 22, project leaders Taylor Yun ’27, Grace Jung ’27, Sarah Jung ’28, and I visited The Huntington to experience “This Land Is…” firsthand. I was thrilled by the students’ thoughtful responses, enthusiasm, and wealth of ideas!

Joining them will be seniors Pierre Adrien, Raia Kita, and Armen Tatevossian; juniors Katrina Huey and Tony Wang; and freshmen Hannalee Trout, Chloe Soh, and Sydney Palmer.

The students will officially launch their projects at the Youth Summit Kickoff on September 25, with their work continuing throughout the year and culminating in the Showcase in April. I can’t wait to see what this talented group creates! 
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