High School Students Partner with GPS Leadership to Shape Student Experience

High school representatives from across Gilbert Public Schools (GPS) gather each month for the “Superintendent's Student Senate”, bringing ideas and experiences from each high school campus directly to GPS leadership. Throughout the school year, students meet with Superintendent Dr. Jared Ryan and Assistant Superintendent of Secondary Education Marcie Taylor. These leaders, as well as other monthly guests, ensure student perspectives are an active and valued part of decisions made across GPS. In addition, the Town of Gilbert has reached out to participate as part of their Teen Ambassadors initiative. Gilbert Town Councilmember Koprowski attended the first meeting in August and plans to return to talk with the students again in October. 

The 2026-2027 Superintendent’s Student Senate includes 13 students representing every GPS high school campus. As is tradition, the Senate held its first meeting at the district office in August, and representatives from each high school will have the opportunity to host one of the next seven meetings on their own campuses, where they will introduce their principal, provide a tour of their campus, and present information about what makes their school unique through their eyes and experience.

Student Engagement and Campus Impact

Senate members bring a wide variety of perspectives and interests to their monthly meetings, sharing insights from their peers, providing feedback, and helping shape programs across the district. For example, one student joined the Senate to help build connections and to learn ways to encourage fellow students to take on leadership roles.

"Witnessing the supportive community here helped me realize a core truth: we are all in this together. I want to use this position to advocate for my peers and inspire others to believe in their potential to represent their schools," shared the student.

Developing Leadership

Students serve on the Senate for two years during their junior and senior years. While on the Senate, students build communication and civic engagement skills while working alongside district administrators. The program also provides leadership opportunities as students represent their peers, present on their campuses, attend GPS Governing Board meetings, and participate in community leadership events each semester.

Meet the 2026–2027 Superintendent’s Student Senate

Campo Verde High School: 

• Emma Watkins, Senior 
  • Emma’s Superpower: Gravity defier
• Kya Marine-Bess, Junior
  • Kya’s Superpower: Golf extraordinaire

Canyon Valley School: 

• Miley Richards, Junior
  • Miley’s Superpower: Beacon of kindness

Desert Ridge High School: 

• Elena Warwich, Senior
  • Elena’s Superpower: Touchdown queen
• Tellia Perry, Junior
  • Tellia’s Superpower: Youth mentor

Gilbert Classical Academy: 

• Carter Carmichael, Senior
  • Carter’s Superpower: Efficiency expert
• Talia Mbuya, Junior
  • Talia’s Superpower: Fearless advocate

Gilbert High School: 

• Jaxson Thompson, Senior
  • Jaxson’s Superpower: All-star leader
• Kaydence Dvorak, Junior
  • Kaydence’s Superpower: Natural leader

Highland High School: 

• Kostner Deacy, Senior
  • Kostner’s Superpower: Joke machine
• Kennedy Thompson, Junior
  • Kennedy’s Superpower: Graceful spirit

Mesquite High School: 

• Santino "Tino" Hernandez, Senior
  • Tino’s Superpower: Team anchor 
• Bailey Wilson, Junior
  • Bailey’s Superpower: Rhythm master

GPS high school students have a variety of opportunities to get involved on their campus and develop leadership skills through student clubs, athletics, and activities, including Student Council, Link Crew, and more! Find opportunities to get involved at GPS high schools by following the links below:

Campo Verde High Activities and Athletics
Desert Ridge High Activities and Athletics
Gilbert Classical Academy Activities and Athletics
Gilbert High Activities and Athletics
Highland High Activities and Athletics
Mesquite High Activities and Athletics