Gateway students plan 'Pathways to Purpose' summit, emphasize inclusion

Student leaders from the Gateway High School Black Student Union addressed the school board to preview a student‑led summit they organized to foster belonging and expose peers to career and mentorship opportunities.

"We are Gateway High School Black Student Union leaders," four students said when they approached the podium and introduced themselves as Julia, Alanis, Olivia and Kaiden. They described the summit, 'Pathways to Purpose,' scheduled for March 27, saying it will include a keynote address by Devonte Butler (a former Gateway student) and breakout sessions on law enforcement, mental health and athletics.

Students told the board the summit’s aim is to build agency and connectedness and to encourage attendees to invite peers they do not usually speak to. Several students said some classmates mistakenly believed the event was open only to Black students; the student leaders clarified that the summit is intended to welcome students of all backgrounds.

"We want everyone to show up," one student said, urging inclusion and explaining that the student union had a registration drive to recruit a diverse audience for the March 27 event.

Board members asked logistics questions about transportation, breakout sessions and whether eighth graders would be invited; counselors and administration confirmed accommodations and invited board members to attend breakout sessions. Students said they had conducted outreach at another recent event and received interest from outside schools in prior years but said this year’s summit would be limited to Gateway students.

The students closed by encouraging participation and asking board support for logistics and outreach.