This month’s National Renaissance Student of the Month is Damian Gutierrez from La Quinta Middle School STEM Academy in La Quinta, CA. Nominator Dr. Farah Ortega-Choate wrote:
Damian is an eighth grader at La Quinta Middle School STEM Academy. When you look at Damian, you see the perfect student. He is outgoing, kind, and a great leader and scholar. After Damian saw our first Renaissance Rally, during his sixth grade year, he walked into my classroom and said he had to be a part of Renaissance. I hesitated because he had not applied the year before, like the other students in the class, and my class was full. He approached me over and over again until I said yes and our Renaissance program and school have never been the same! Damian is pure magic on the stage. He is typically our lead performer and knows how to put on the best show in order to entertain and recognize our students and Staffulty. Damian’s magic does not stay on the stage with him. In fact, he spreads this magic to everyone around him! He shines a light on others and is always looking for ways to make sure every student and Staffulty member is seen, heard, loved, and celebrated.
How long have you been involved with Renaissance?
Three years.
What’s a favorite Renaissance moment for you?
My favorite Renaissance moment is when I had the opportunity to meet PC and attend the Jostens Renaissance Collaborative. PC pulled me out of the crowd and onto the stage. He made me feel seen, heard, and loved. I got the opportunity to meet other leaders, gain new ideas for my school, and represent Renaissance on the local news. I am proud to say I am a member of the Renaissance family!
How has Renaissance impacted your school’s culture?
Renaissance encourages students to earn good grades and be kind to others. Renaissance also helps recognize students and staffulty, so they feel seen and appreciated.
How has Renaissance affected you personally?
Being a member of the Renaissance program has encouraged me to be a good person and great leader. I now know right from wrong and I choose to make good choices and to be a role model for the younger students. I love performing on the stage and showing off my talents during the rallies. I love putting on the rallies to celebrate my peers and Staffulty for their hard work and accomplishments. Renaissance reminds me to take time to recognize others and remind people they matter!
What advice would you give to someone just starting with Renaissance?
Be open to everything. Don’t limit yourself and don’t let fear (your own or from others) stop you from doing things. When you are brave enough to say, “Yes!” or try something new, you just might realize how much you love it and discover the impact and difference you can make on others in your school and community.
Damian will receive a water bottle and a decal in recognition of his achievement.