United States
My name is Patrick Cruse and I am a junior at City Honors International Preparatory School in Inglewood and a deeply passionate student leader committed to ensuring that student voice is not symbolic—but structural. I believe leadership is proven through impact, and my work speaks for itself through the systems I help build, the students I serve, and the spaces I help transform. I serve as the Executive Director of the District Student Advisory Committee (DSAC) at City Honors International Prep, where I lead initiatives that strengthen student engagement and influence decision-making at the site and district levels. At the state level, I serve as a Director of the Student Advisory Board on Legislative Education (SABLE), where I lead the development and alignment of the organization’s mission and vision. In this role, I set the strategic direction of SABLE, guide statewide priorities, and ensure that our work reflects the needs and experiences of students across California. I collaborate with student leaders to translate advocacy into action and elevate student voice in legislative and policy discussions. My leadership extends across site, district, and county levels, working closely with administrators, superintendents, and fellow student leaders to turn ideas into meaningful impact. I’m driven by a clear goal: to become a high school principal and lead schools where every student is heard, supported, and empowered to succeed.
I mentor and support Inglewood Unified student leaders serving on the County Administrator Student Advisory Committee (CASAC). I help prepare students for policy discussions, strengthen their leadership skills, and ensure they confidently represent student voice in conversations with district administrators, including Dr. Morris. My role focuses on professionalism, collaboration, and effective advocacy across our school communities.
As the Intern For the Assistant Superintendent Of Educational Services, I: • Support the Assistant Superintendent of Education by preparing reports, presentations, and official communications. • Conduct research on educational policies, data, and programs to inform and advance strategic initiatives. • Participate in leadership meetings by drafting concise summaries and tracking action items and follow-up tasks. • Assist in planning and coordinating district-wide events and professional development sessions. • Collaborate with cross-departmental teams to enhance communication, alignment, and project outcomes.
As SABLE Director I oversee the planning, execution, and continuous improvement of the SABLE. This role requires a strong leader who can guide a team of student and adult advisors, manage logistics for conferences, workshops, and events, and ensure that program goals align with district and state student leadership initiatives.
As a CASC SABLE Delegate, I serve as a student representative within the California Association of Student Councils’ Student Advisory Board on Education in Legislation (SABLE).
As a College Board Ambassador, I work to expand access to college readiness resources within my school community. I promote SAT, AP, and BigFuture tools to help students plan confidently for their postsecondary pathways. Through outreach and peer engagement, I connect students to scholarship opportunities, financial aid information, and career exploration resources.
I lead a countywide team of students in a LACOE-aligned, student-led research initiative focused on improving access, safety, and inclusion in youth sports and physical activity. My role involves guiding research, coordinating team efforts, collaborating with schools and community organizations, and developing evidence-based proposals to promote equitable participation for all students. Key Responsibilities: • Lead and coordinate a student research team across LA County • Conduct research on barriers to sports and physical activity participation • Facilitate planning meetings, team discussions, and project development • Collaborate with schools, recreation centers, and community organizations • Develop and present evidence-based, student-led proposals • Represent AFI in meetings, presentations, and civic engagement activities
As a Junior Student Advisor on the Los Angeles County Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council I: • Serve on the Los Angeles County Superintendent’s Student Advisory Council. • Collaborate with fellow advisors to represent the perspectives of over 2 million students. • Provide insights and feedback on issues affecting schools and communities. • Advise Superintendent Debra Duardo on student needs, priorities, and initiatives. • Elevate student voices to shape educational policies and programs. • Advocate for equitable access to resources and opportunities for all students.
As the founding student leader of the Wellness Club, I established this Club to prioritize student health, balance, and overall well-being within our school community. I developed the vision, structure, and purpose of the committee, ensuring that wellness became a core focus of the school site. In this role, I: • Designed the framework and mission for the Wellness Club. • Organized and led the first official student wellness initiatives. • Created opportunities for students to engage in mindfulness, fitness, and health-focused activities. • Built communication pathways to connect the committee’s work with students, staff, and the broader community. This founding role highlights my commitment to innovation, leadership, and advocacy in creating lasting structures that promote student success beyond the classroom.
As Executive Director of the CHIPS Site-Level DSAC (District Student Advisory Committee), I: • Lead student-driven initiatives to strengthen student engagement, instructional quality, and school culture. • Collaborate directly with the school principal to address campus-specific student needs. • Restructured the committee by establishing two focused teams: Classroom Instruction and School Culture & Climate. • Created formal leadership roles to increase accountability, student ownership, and long-term sustainability. • Maintain alignment with the district-wide DSAC while elevating student voice at the site level.
Served two consecutive years on the School Site Council, beginning as a Member (9th grade) and later elected as Secretary (10th grade). As Secretary, I: • Recorded and maintained accurate meeting minutes • Documented motions, discussions, and official votes • Ensured compliance with governance procedures and transparency standards • Assisted in organizing meeting agendas and official records