At Summit at Castro, power doesn’t always roar — it whispers in quiet conversations and safe spaces where students feel seen, heard and supported by caring adults. For the Social/Emotional Support Team at Summit, those moments are everything. They’re the heartbeat of a school committed to the whole child, where authenticity, equity and community aren’t just words but the foundation for brighter futures.
Last year, nearly a quarter of Summit students received individual therapy or group mentorship, while others accessed medical care, substance prevention and intensive supports. Behind those numbers are stories of transformation that show what happens when students feel safe, supported and valued.
Finding Strength in Support
Since seventh grade, Summit student Lexi Wiegand has faced challenges, but at Summit, she found hope.
“Knowing there are adults here who care makes me feel good about myself, and like I can do anything in the future,” Lexi said.
Now a senior on track to graduate early, she plans to study criminal justice. Her dream? To become a police officer and help her community feel safe. For Lexi, power comes from knowing she isn’t walking this journey alone.
Belonging That Heals
For Summit student Azucena Aleman, power means safety and acceptance.
“I had a really bad week, and it took a big toll on my mental health,” she recalled. “I knew I could come here and let it all out. I knew it would be safe and I could be myself.”
Her friend, student Anissa Corral agrees.
“If I need support on anything, I know I can go to them. They’ve helped me express myself a lot more and think about what I want to do,” she said.
At Summit, students show up as they are. They speak their respective languages, wear what they want and feel comfortable being their true selves. For Azucena and Anissa, belonging isn’t a dream, it’s a daily reality.
Opportunity That Opens Doors
When student Sebastian Soto first arrived at Summit, he didn’t speak English. Today, he’s preparing to graduate early and attend Emily Griffith Technical School to study automotives.
“Everyone supports each other here. I wouldn’t be where I am today if I didn’t have Summit,” he said.
Field trips and guest speakers helped Sebastian discover his passion.
School counselor Bri Manko explained, “Our career exploration has really ramped up in the last two years and shown students new possibilities. It’s powerful that students can come here to catch up, graduate early and pursue any opportunity they want.”
Turning Struggles Into Success
For Summit student Javier Cabral-Castillo, power means turning failure into progress.
“A couple of weeks ago, I was failing math terribly,” he shared. “I got support from multiple teachers and got my grade up to a ‘C.’ It felt good because I haven’t been passing math in a long time.”
With mentorship and therapy, Javier is back on track and plans to join the military after high school.
“People here are very invested in our future and in the present. If I advocate for myself, I know they will listen,” he said.
Encouraging Students to Advocate for Themselves
Working in Summit’s health office, Nurse Jennifer Halbach sees power in students learning to speak up for their needs.
“They’re empowered to manage aspects of their health, talk to doctors and advocate for themselves,” she explained.
Through partnerships with Denver Health and the school-based virtual clinic, care is accessible on campus, eliminating barriers like transportation and missed class time. These services build confidence, resilience and the understanding that using your voice matters.
The Team That Makes It Possible
At Summit, every student has someone in their corner.
“Everybody here is paired with a support person so they always know who they can go to,” said Jilly Veidenheimer, Summit’s school social worker. “That strong relationship lets us advocate and support them.”
The Social/Emotional Support Team works diligently to provide individual and group social emotional intervention to students, in addition to connecting students to therapeutic services, mentorship, medical care and substance prevention while leading restorative practices and culturally responsive programs in the building.
“It’s powerful to see students decide what success looks like for them, and then supporting them in that journey,” said Liz Litzinger, Summit’s school psychologist.
That commitment goes beyond academics.
“We put a lot of effort in connecting students to resources,” Liz added. “Making sure they have access to basic needs and can continue to have access outside of school is something we’re passionate about as a team and as a school.”
Community partnerships help amplify this impact. Collaborations with Girls Inc., Sims-Fayola, Servicios de la Raza, Sheridan Health Clinic, MySpark and Second Wind Fund open doors to resources and opportunities that would otherwise be out of reach.
At its core, the team equips students with tools to learn and grow.
“We encourage students to advocate for themselves and navigate conflict through restorative practices,” said the school’s social worker Antonio Robinson.
“This year, students have come to me saying, ‘I feel empowered to resolve this on my own.’ That’s when you know the work is making a difference.”
The Summit Effect
At Summit at Castro, power means creating a school environment where voices matter, dreams take shape and success is defined by each individual. When students feel valued and empowered, they don’t just change their own lives; they strengthen families, communities and futures.
That’s the Summit Effect: powerful moments leading to lasting change.