American Writer Jim Stoval once said, “You need to be aware of what others are doing, applaud their efforts, acknowledge their successes, and encourage them in their pursuits. When we all help one another, everybody wins.” The Renaissance Committee does just that at Jefferson High School. Applauding students for their efforts and successes, the Renaissance Committee runs multiple events honoring exemplifying students in academics, activities, and service.
Throughout the year, the committee hosts two academic banquets celebrating students who have achieved a 3.5 GPA or greater for two consecutive semesters. In addition, they serve “Honor Roll Sundaes” for those who have made either A or B honor roll in the commons during lunch. While bringing attention to students is important, they are not the only people at Jefferson High School.
In addition, the committee celebrates the staff members at Jefferson by picking a “Department of the Month” monthly; they also hold a booth where students can write cards to their counselors during counseling week.
The big event of the year, however, Honorsfest occurred last week, where we as a school honored and applauded many students, teachers, and staff members who are part of our community. We opened the event with the jazz band, national anthem, and school song. We recognized 293 National Honor Society members, 154 Regents Scholar and President’s Education Award for Excellence recipients, 37 AP scholars, 20 seniors with a 4.0 GPA , and 23 Seal of Biliteracy recipients in addition to many Green and Gold Award winners.
In addition to celebrating students, we honored Jefferson staff as well. Ms. Bonham received the Champion Team Builder Awards while Senora Castello was given the Excellence in Instruction Award. Mr Machacek was our Positive Impact Teacher Award recipient, and Mr. Gongopoulos, our Building Computer Specialist, won the Excellence in Student Support Award. We’d be lost without him!
We concluded the event with a senior send off to Mr. Conrad who will be the district’s new Assistant Superintendent, thanking him for an amazing first four years of Jefferson High School, and with a student slideshow highlighting events from the 24-25 school year.
The Honorsfest celebration ends the school year and brings awareness to all the lovely things around the school. The Renaissance committee is all about celebrating what it is to be a Cavalier. Go, Cavs, Go!
