COVINA, CA – South Hills High School junior Angel Duarte is taking a leading role in developing student-led solutions to challenges affecting schools after being selected for the Los Angeles County Office of Education (LACOE) Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council, representing Covina-Valley Unified School District.

A key project of the 2025-26 LACOE Student Advisory Council is the year-long L.A. County Student Civic Changemakers Challenge, which carries the tagline “Real Issues. Bold Solutions. Youth-Led.” Students from across the county were divided into teams and assigned one of four pressing societal issues to research. Teams will present their findings and proposed solutions at a culminating showcase in June 2026.

“It’s so important to have youth voices on big societal issues because we experience the actual school environments every day and know what solutions are realistic,” Duarte said. “Being on the LACOE Student Advisory Council and participating in the Changemakers Challenge will give me the opportunity to share my voice and present our research to people who can make real change in our school systems. I feel like I’m part of something that will truly impact me and my peers.”

Duarte and his team will tackle the topic of focusing the use of artificial intelligence in schools, ensuring it supports students’ full potential rather than replacing learning. Their project will entail conducting workshops, presentations, and interviews to gather data and develop actionable recommendations.

“Working with a diverse team with unique perspectives and experiences will help me broaden my worldview and strengthen my collaboration skills,” Duarte said. “I’m also looking forward to developing experience in a professional setting and serving in an official capacity. It’s an honor to represent my school and District.”

At South Hills High, Duarte is enrolled in multiple Honors and Advanced Placement courses, plays varsity tennis, and is a member of the National Honors Society and College Scholarship Federation.

He has also participated in the LA County Fire Department’s Explorer Program since his freshman year, gaining hands-on experience in community service, civic engagement, leadership, and firefighting skills.

After high school, Duarte plans to attend college and then pursue his ultimate goal of becoming a firefighter.

“I am extremely motivated and excited for life after high school,” Duarte said. “I like putting myself out there and doing something every day that helps my community and saves lives.”

In his free time, Duarte enjoys boxing, paddle sports, and spending time with friends and family.

“We are so proud of Angel for elevating student voices and being a standout leader in our community,” Interim Superintendent Dr. Jonathan Blackmore said. “We can’t wait to see the incredible solutions he and his team develop.”

PHOTO CAPTIONS:

CVUSD_DUARTE1: South Hills High School junior Angel Duarte is developing student-led solutions to challenges affecting schools after being selected for the Los Angeles County Office of Education Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council.

CVUSD_DUARTE2: South Hills High School junior Angel Duarte has participated in the LA County Fire Department’s Explorer Program since his freshman year, gaining hands-on experience in community service, civic engagement, leadership, and firefighting skills.