August 20, 2026
WALNUT, CA - On August 18, WVUSD hosted the second SUMMIT: Student Athlete Leadership Academy, bringing together more than 80 student-athletes from Diamond Bar and Walnut High Schools for a day focused on leadership, teamwork, and personal growth. SUMMIT stands for Students United in Mentorship, Motivation, Integrity & Teamwork. Directors Dr. Matt Brummett, Dr. Amy Smith, and Dr. Robby Jung, along with Athletic Directors Valerie Varela and Kurt Davies, and ASCIP Student Safety Advocate Heidi Cisneros led interactive activities, group discussions, and reflections on how students can lead on and off the field.
One of the opening activities was “Cross the Line,” where students learned more about their fellow student-athletes. When a statement applied to them, students crossed the line to the other side, helping them learn about other students’ shared experiences and common interests. Another activity focused on encouragement through a game of rock, paper, scissors. After each round, the students who lost joined the winner’s team and cheered them on. The activity’s last round had only two students who remained, as their peers gathered around them and cheered them on.
With insights from Deputy Superintendent Dr. Matt Torres and guest speaker Retired Huntington Beach Union High School District Assistant Superintendent Dr. Dan Bryan, student athletes were reminded that leadership isn’t about a title, it’s about how you show up and influence those around you. Both speakers highlighted the importance of not only supporting your own team, but also creating a positive and encouraging environment for other teams across campus. Athletic Directors Valerie Varela, WHS and Kurt Davies, DBHS encouraged students to be the upperclassmen who uplift and support younger students on campus and within their teams. They also challenged students to reflect on the upperclassmen who encouraged them when they first joined their team or came onto campus, reminding them that they now have the opportunity to serve as those same role models for others.
The day also included a tour of the Mt. SAC Athletic Facility and Wellness Center. During their visit to Heritage Hall, students explored the museum and got to read more about the history and accomplishments of the student-athletes who came before them. The SUMMIT served as a reminder that their impact as student athletes extends far beyond the field and was an inspiring way to kick off the new school year and athletic season.
About Walnut Valley Unified School District
Walnut Valley Unified School District (WVUSD) schools have earned recognition for academic excellence from both the California State Department of Education and the United States Department of Education. Many WVUSD schools have been recognized as National Blue Ribbon, California Gold Ribbon, and California Distinguished Schools. Several WVUSD schools were featured in U.S. News & World Report’s 2025/2026 Best School Rankings. To learn more about WVUSD, please visit WVUSD.org. Connect with WVUSD on Instagram, Facebook, and LinkedIn.
Contact
Michelle Figueroa, Public Information Specialist
Office: 909-595-1261, Ext. 31204
Shown
- WVUSD student athletes smile and pose together for a group photo.
- Two students play a game of rock, paper, scissors during an interactive activity.
- Deputy Superintendent Dr. Matt Torres encourages students by sharing experiences from his time as a student athlete.
- Students stand in two rows as they participate in the “Cross the Line” opening activity.
- High school principals Dr. Courtney Corona and Jamie Norell address students and remind them that they are all part of the same WVUSD team.
- Students raise their hands to participate in a group discussion.
- Directors Dr. Matt Brummett, Dr. Amy Smith, and Dr. Robby Jung, along with Athletic Directors Valerie Varela and Kurt Davies, pose for a photo during the SUMMIT leadership retreat.