Woodgrove and Dominion high schools, along with partner schools across Loudoun County Public Schools (LCPS) hosted the Loudoun International Summit, a student-driven event fostering cross-cultural learning, global collaboration and sustainable solutions. With participation from 19 international delegations representing 13 countries, the summit provided an immersive platform for students to engage in meaningful discussions on cultural identity, sustainability and global challenges.
The summit kicked off on Monday, March 24, with an opening ceremony at Woodgrove High School, celebrating cultural diversity through student-led programming. Attendees experienced a Parade of Nations, an international choir performance and a keynote address reinforcing the event’s theme of global interconnectedness. Students also presented interactive cultural displays and participated in a workshop on internally displaced people in Ukraine, deepening their understanding of humanitarian issues.
On Wednesday, March 26, students engaged in a United Nations Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) workshop on climate change. Through interactive sessions across multiple Loudoun high schools and a virtual problem-solving meeting, students collaborated to develop real-world solutions to environmental challenges.
“The Loudoun International Summit empowers students to engage with complex global issues and collaborate across cultures to develop innovative solutions,” said Danyael Graham, Supervisor, Social Science & Global Studies. “Their leadership and vision are what make this event truly impactful.”
The summit culminated on Friday, March 28, at Dominion High School, with the “Glocal” Share Fair and closing ceremony. This final gathering provided a platform for students to showcase projects that address global challenges through local action. By combining global perspectives with community-based initiatives, students demonstrated the power of youth-driven solutions. The event concluded with a closing ceremony featuring student speakers, video highlights and reflections on the international collaboration fostered throughout the summit.
“This summit is not just a celebration of global diversity—it is a student-led movement emphasizing the importance of cultural exchange, sustainability and civic responsibility,” said Dr. Aaron Spence, LCPS superintendent. “Through hands-on experiences and meaningful discussions, students are actively shaping a more inclusive and globally conscious future.”
By elevating student voices and fostering collaboration across cultures, the Loudoun International Summit inspires young leaders to take action in their communities and beyond, proving that real change begins with understanding, innovation and the courage to make a difference.