As college acceptance letters arrive across the country, Pretend City Children’s Museum proudly celebrates the graduation of six outstanding members of its Youth Leadership Board. These teens have made a meaningful impact on the museum and their community, growing from young visitors into inspiring leaders.
Among those graduating, Clara Cestone, Youth Board President and creator of on-site coding workshops, will attend Stanford University. Vice President Ella Townsend, a Girl Scout Gold Award recipient, is bound for Harvard. Sooyeon Ahn, known for her volunteer work supporting development efforts, will head to Cornell. Others are choosing between prestigious institutions including NYU and Northeastern.
“These students have been incredible role models,” said Ellen Pais, Executive Director of Pretend City. “They’ve helped lead community events, developed new programming, and inspired younger children to imagine their future. Their dedication speaks to the kind of purpose-driven leadership we hope to foster at Pretend City.”
The Youth Leadership Board, made up of local high school students, plays an active role in museum life, helping to shape public-facing programs, mentoring younger guests, and supporting fundraising and community outreach.
Many of the graduating members started as young visitors to Pretend City, becoming volunteers and then youth leaders. Now, as they head to college, they leave space for new voices and perspectives to guide the museum into its next chapter.
This transition comes at a pivotal time, as Pretend City prepares for its relocation to a permanent home at the Great Park in Irvine. The incoming Youth Board will have a unique opportunity to help shape the future of the museum during this exciting phase of growth.
Pretend City invites media and community members to meet these inspiring teens and hear their stories of leadership, learning, and impact. Interviews with outgoing and incoming Youth Board members are available upon request.
About Pretend City Children’s Museum:
Pretend City Children’s Museum is a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization, featuring an interconnected city designed to prepare children for milestones and school readiness through imaginative play experiences. Our 19 learning spaces are designed to balance playful engagement and educational experiences with holistic growth.
The museum is a hub for community resources offering developmental screenings and tools for families, educators and community agencies working to ensure that each child gains the experiences needed to discover their potential and build toward a productive and fulfilling future. For more information about Pretend City Children’s Museum and our commitment to fostering children’s development through play, please visit www.pretendcity.org
