Script Writing for Adolescent Experiences Into Adulthood

Educator: Pam Gustafson, Library Media Specialist & Theater Set Designer

Other Participating Staff: Diane Longo, Luly Contreras, Lionel Brugger

Cultural Partner: Jack Canfora, Playwright

School: Brentwood High School, Grades 9-12, COPA Club Students

Summary

At Brentwood High School, students in the COPA Club took the lead in a powerful project titled Script Writing for Adolescent Experiences Into Adulthood. With guidance from cultural partner and playwright Jack Canfora, and support from educators Pam Gustafson, Diane Longo, Luly Contreras, and Lionel Brugger, these students wrote, performed, and recorded original scripts that speak directly to the challenges and transitions teens face as they prepare for life after high school.

This student-led project centered on Graduation Plus, a district initiative focused on career and personal readiness. The students turned their lived experiences into scripts full of honest advice and insight—creating real-world, multilingual resources for future students in English, Spanish, and Creole.

By exploring storytelling and scriptwriting as an art form, these young writers developed self-awareness, strengthened their voices, and helped build a more inclusive and informed school community. Their words now echo forward—welcoming, guiding, and empowering others to thrive.

Rationale

Students self-selected from the larger COPA club. Students wanted to participate in a way to relay valuable information about Graduation Plus to their peers who are either new to the district or new to the high school. Graduation Plus is focused on post-graduation outcomes, preparing students for careers and readiness in what comes after high school (whether it be specific technical training or approaches/attitudes toward personal growth/development).