Claremont Unified is proud to introduce Samantha Gutierrez, the student board member representing Claremont High School for the 2025-2026 school year. A senior, Samantha has been involved in Associated Student Body, Cheer, and several student clubs. She credits these programs with helping her grow as a leader while also giving her a deeper connection to her school community.
Each student board member partners with principals from their assigned school sites to prepare reports that highlight student perspectives. These reports are shared at every Board of Education meeting, ensuring that student voices remain at the center of district conversations.
For Samantha, serving as a student board member came from a place of passion and purpose. "I applied to become a student board member because I'm passionate about student voice and believe that our perspectives and input are essential in shaping our future. It's truly an honor to represent so many schools across the district, especially during such an important year of my life," she said. "Serving in this role during my senior year allows me to give back to the community that's supported me for so long and to advocate for meaningful changes that reflect what students really need."
Her most memorable experiences at Claremont High School have stemmed from her involvement in ASB and Cheer. "These activities not only gave me a chance to pursue my interests, but also helped me build friendships that I know I will cherish for a long time," Samantha shared. "These experiences have helped me develop leadership skills, and learn how to work collaboratively with others, all while having a blast with the people around me."
Samantha describes herself as passionate about making sure everyone's voices are heard and about building strong connections. "CUSD has helped me explore this passion by offering opportunities like different clubs and student government, which encouraged me to further develop my interest," she said.
As a student board member, Samantha's top priority is to ensure that every student feels represented. "I want to create more pathways for students to share their ideas and concerns with district leadership, especially those who may not usually feel comfortable speaking up," she explained.
Reflecting on her time in Claremont Unified, Samantha said she treasures the sense of community. "Whether it's a football game, theater productions, or the traditions we all look forward to each year, there's something really special about how our schools come together to celebrate each other," she said. One of her favorite memories is the annual Fourth of July parade, where she participates with the Cheer Team. "The way the entire community comes together and really shows up, even in 100-degree weather, is truly something so incredibly special," she said.
A fun fact about Samantha is that Spanish was her first language. "I only spoke Spanish for the first three years of my life. Growing up bilingual has been such a meaningful part of my identity, and it's given me a deeper appreciation for different cultures and communication. It's something I'm really proud of, and it continues to shape how I connect with others today," she shared.
Looking ahead, Samantha plans to attend a four-year university and study political science. She believes her time as a student board member will continue to shape her future. "My experience as a student board member will definitely help me as I move forward, as I hope it will teach me how to advocate effectively, listen to others with empathy, and understand the bigger picture when it comes to education and leadership," she said.
With her dedication to amplifying student voices, Samantha is poised to represent Claremont High School and her fellow students across the district with passion, empathy and pride.