Renaissance at LHS

Essay by Peyton Olive (LHS Class of '13)

The Renaissance website states, “Renaissance was initiated by the Friends of LHS and Teachers at LHS in 1994. It was designed to recognize and reward students based on excellence, behavior, grades, etc.” This is true, but who do you think does the work to make these recognitions come to life? Thatʼs the kicker! It takes initiative on our part. Whether you are in the Leadership class doing more of the brainstorming and directing of events, or on the Renaissance team working more and physically getting events ready, you will learn how to work. Mrs. Margaret Stowe, the LHS Renaissance leader, is the overseer, helper, and go-to person. She lets the leaders take care of the jobs but helps us out along the way telling us what we do and donʼt need. She expects a lot out of her team and demands you give your best in every situation.

In my opinion, the Renaissance designed the program to give its members a little taste of the real world. I especially feel this when Iʼm contacting businesses asking for donations or inviting them to events. It makes me and others feel more like an adult gaining useful experience than a student sitting in a grey box all day. This is mainly accomplished by taking a task head on: biting the bullet. A famous quote by Antony Jay that reminds me of Mrs. Stoweʼs philosophy is, “The only real training for leadership is leadership.”

So, what does this team do that requires work? We have to constantly create and plot new and innovative ways to reward and recognize our deserving students. This requires you to plan, and plan, hear Mrs. Stoweʼs thoughts, and plan some more. I have heard these words many times being directed at me or someone else, “We didnʼt have this, this, this, and this. Plan more.” You may leave feeling like she is disappointed in you, but itʼs something you need to hear. Starting with only a demand from Mrs. Stowe to arrange an event or rally, the Leadership class works with the rest of the Renaissance team by getting ideas for rallies and celebrations. This includes the “Student Salute” luncheon, where we honor students based on their grades, attitude, and attendance. Or, more relaxed events like the “Secret Kisses” where we sell Hersheyʼs kisses to raise money for St. Jude Hospital. First, we determine WHO the event is going to be honoring based on who deserves it. It could be anybody. Next, we look at WHAT we will be honoring them for. Then, the biggie on the planning list, HOW we will honor them. Honoring a person could include giving him or her a Renaissance card, treating him or her to a special lunch, or granting permission to go to a rally. Last, we set a time and date for WHEN and WHERE the event will take place. This is a very generalized description because there are many big and small tasks that the Renaissance team has to complete such as permission slips, activities, decorations, games, and more. All of these things are pesky necessities for me personally, because I tend to look at the bigger picture first and forget about those little things.

Renaissance involves homework and community service. One day we are buying clothes for kids in need and the next we are coming up with ideas to improve events. The latter always takes the most energy and time. “You can never say an event cannot be improved. It always can.” Mrs. Stowe loves these words. Admittedly, this is and has always been an accurate statement. Mrs. Stowe embodies Mr. Jerry McClainʼs statement, “The best example of leadership is leadership by example.”

Why be involved with Renaissance? Of course, there is the college application answer. But it can help you out a lot more than just that. Renaissance is synonymous with rebirth or an awakening! And, while it may not awaken your artistic skills or other skills you desire to have, it can refine or awaken your leadership skills which will impact your life much more than most any other characteristic. In fact, leadership is the key skill the LHS Renaissance program “awakens” within us. We are students here at LHS to, of course, get information taught to us, but also to gain skills and experience we might not know we need. I know for a fact it has helped me with things like getting events together, public speaking, and leadership. I would like to see it done for other students, too. The Renaissance team teaches its membersʼ leadership and work ethics to be successful in life. The pairing of these academics and leadership skills makes our future goals both obtainable and limitless. Thatʼs what I think Renaissanceʼs best attribute is.


Questions for Further Writing:
What are some of the most crucial benefits of the Renaissance program here? What does it offer LHS that is particularly helpful to our school?
Ms. Stowe seems to put a great deal of emphasis on planning, and getting students involved in the planning process. Why do you think that is? 

What makes a good leader?