Riley Vaughan, Jude Maddox, Gavin Johnson, Mackenzie Olkowski, and WHS teachers Kyla Ritchey and Tami Grant accepted the award at the Jostens Renaissance Global Conference in Orlando, Florida on July 18
Last week, Washougal High School (WHS) student leaders were recognized with the 2024 Jostens Gold Tier School of Distinction Award for their work to improve school climate and culture. Riley Vaughan, Jude Maddox, Gavin Johnson, Mackenzie Olkowski, and WHS teachers Kyla Ritchey and Tami Grant accepted the award at the Jostens Renaissance Global Conference in Orlando, Florida on July 18.
The Jostens Renaissance School of Distinction Award celebrates schools excelling in fostering a supportive and engaging school environment. Schools can apply for one of three levels of distinction: silver, gold, or platinum. Schools must meet specific criteria to qualify for the Gold Tier level, including implementing the Renaissance Program framework for building a positive school culture.
“Positive school culture brings better attendance, higher test scores, and overall makes school a place where you want to be rather than where you have to be,” said Maddox, 12th grade student leader at Washougal High School. “We’re a school that recognizes you for doing the things you should do and rewards you for going above and beyond. I think that encourages people to do what they’re supposed to do.”
For the first time this year, student leaders at the high school organized a Renaissance Rally to recognize students for academic and extracurricular achievements. Student leaders measured the success of their efforts to improve school culture by using data from the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction (OSPI) report card and interviewing students and staff.
“We worked on planning the Renaissance Rally for a good two months,” said Vaughan, 12th grade WHS student. “We plan on doing that a lot more this next school year and I think kids are ready for it.”
The leadership class also organizes the annual Stuff the Bus community fundraiser and a handful of other initiatives to promote a sense of belonging at school. “Stuff the Bus is when everyone comes together as a family to help out our community and brings us all closer,” said Olkowski, 11th grade student at Washougal High School.
Student leaders also have a voice in making decisions that impact school culture by participating in monthly Student Voice Council meetings with Washougal High School Principal Mark Castle. Student leaders also serve as representatives to the Washougal School Board to weigh in on districtwide decisions.
“Since 2020, our student leadership group has been implementing Renaissance program ideas to improve climate and culture at our school. This was our first year to apply for the award, and we’re all very excited that we’re being recognized as a Gold Tier school,” said Ritchey, Associated Student Body teacher at WHS.
In winter 2023, Washougal High School was also one of three schools to win the nationwide Jostens Culture Challenge for leading an initiative to express appreciation for Washougal school bus drivers. The group of students gave cups of hot chocolate, with motivational messages written on them, to bus drivers at the school.
Washougal School District knows, nurtures, and challenges all students to rise. Learn more about Washougal School District at www.washougal.k12.wa.us.
Information provided by the Washougal School District.
Also read:
- Opinion: ‘The IBR team has been lying to us and thanks to a veteran Oregon journalist, we have the smoking gun’
Ken Vance argues newly obtained documents show Interstate Bridge Replacement staff withheld updated cost estimates from lawmakers and the public. - Former legislator and County Chair Eileen Quiring O’Brien announces candidacy for Clark County auditor
Former Clark County Chair Eileen Quiring O’Brien has announced her candidacy for county auditor following Greg Kimsey’s decision not to seek re-election. - Vancouver Police investigate traffic collision
Vancouver Police are investigating a motorcycle and vehicle collision that left the rider with life-threatening injuries. - WA Democrats push for mid-decade redraw of congressional maps
Washington Democrats have introduced a constitutional amendment that would allow congressional redistricting outside the normal post-census cycle, drawing sharp partisan debate. - Oregon Gov. Kotek calls for repeal of transportation funding package she championed
Oregon Gov. Tina Kotek is urging lawmakers to repeal a transportation funding package she previously supported after a referendum effort halted key tax increases. - Opinion: State CO2 report shows 86% of Washington’s claimed climate benefits are probably fake
Todd Myers argues a state climate report significantly overstates emissions reductions and raises concerns about data accuracy and accountability in Washington’s climate spending. - OnPoint Community Credit Union expands to Ridgefield
OnPoint Community Credit Union announced a new Ridgefield branch opening Jan. 12, expanding its Clark County presence and supporting local nonprofits.
