Washougal High earns gold-tier ‘School of Distinction’ award

Jude Maddox’s perspective has changed greatly since joining the Washougal High School (WHS) Associated Student Body (ASB), which has worked diligently to improve their school’s culture.

“I kind of understood (the concept) of recognizing people, but I thought it was kind of stupid, just (getting) a sheet of paper or something,” said Maddox, a rising senior. “I realized that there are a lot of people who don’t get recognized by family or don’t necessarily have the friend group or the relationships … (to) ever get recognized at all. If you have a school (that does) recognize those kids who don’t typically get that attention or the affirmation for doing the right thing, I think it can make a huge impact.”

WHS was one of nine schools to receive a 2024 Jostens Gold Tier School of Distinction Award at the Jostens Renaissance Global Conference (JRGC), held July 18 in Orlando, Florida. Students Riley Vaughan, Gavin Johnson, Mackenzie Olkowski and Maddox, along with teachers Kyla Ritchey and Tami Grant, recently traveled to Florida to accept the award.

“Since 2020, our student leadership group has been implementing Renaissance program ideas to improve climate and culture at our school,” said Ritchey, the school’s ASB coordinator. “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.”

The Jostens Renaissance School of Distinction Award celebrates schools that excel in fostering a supportive and engaging school environment.

“It is satisfying for the students and staff who have been involved in this process (to know) that the data supports the work they have been doing to improve the climate and culture in the school,” said Grant, an American Sign Language teacher. “It also helps us to decide on our future goals and know where we have areas for improvement.”

Schools must meet specific criteria to be eligible for the awards, including implementing the Renaissance Program framework for building a positive school culture, to qualify for the gold tier.

“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,” Maddox said. “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.”

WHS leadership students organized a “Renaissance Rally” to recognize students for academic and extracurricular achievements during the 2023-24 school year, and measured the success of their efforts by analyzing data from the Washington Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction report card and interviewing students and staff members.

“We worked on planning the Renaissance Rally for a good two months,” said Vaughan, a rising senior. “We plan on doing that a lot more this next school year. I think kids are ready for it.”