Pasadena High School Students to Share Powerful Stories at LitFest in the Dena
On Saturday, May 3, students from Pasadena High School will take part in LitFest in the Dena, a community literary festival celebrating voices from across the region. Representing PHS are Paulina McConnell, Alessandro Marroquin, Hendrick Knapp, Mallika Sheshadri, and Adhalia Rivera – students who will present essays and narratives drawn from personal experiences of displacement and loss following the devastating Eaton Fire.
Their public reading, which is free and open to all, will offer attendees an intimate look at the emotional and practical realities of losing a home, as well as the broader struggles youth face during times of upheaval. The panel will also feature members of the PUSD Student Think Tank and Student Assembly, who will share original poetry and prose exploring both the effects of the Eaton Fire and the current climate of political division.
With over 300 students reportedly losing their homes due to the fire and a district-wide protest organized in February against mass deportation policies, it’s evident that recent local and national events have profoundly shaped the perspectives of young people in Pasadena and Altadena. Through their writing, these students will examine themes of courage, resilience, and transformation – offering not just reflection but inspiration for how communities might respond and grow through adversity.
The reading invites the public to listen, reflect, and engage with the powerful voices of a generation coming of age during turbulent times.
Pasadena High School, 2925 E. Sierra Madre Blvd., Pasadena, (626) 396-5880 or visit https://phs.pusd.us/.
