This month’s National Renaissance Student of the Month is Kaiden Cassano from Chisholm Trail High School in Fort Worth, Texas. Her nominator Carla Hardy writes (lightly edited):
“Kaiden has been in our Renaissance program for two years and currently serves as our president. She presented with our team at JRNC this last summer, and just simply oozes Renaissance! I knew that Kaiden would do an incredible job as our president as she is the truest representation of a ‘servant leader’. She is always in the details and no job is too small. She would never say ‘no’ to any job asked of her, and she is always looking for the gaps that need to be filled. She is the very definition of an initiator rather than an observer.
Recently I needed to be away for a family health issue, and I received daily hand-written letters, phone calls, and texts from my Renaissance students just checking in, reminding me that they had everything under control. When I returned, I found that every club, sport, organization, ensemble, and group had a new, handmade, custom sign made for them, celebrating their accomplishments or advertising their meeting times – they made over 50 full-sized banners in seven days. While my entire team of 32 students along with our choir program has been instrumental in caring for us during this time, Kaiden continually exudes the heart of Renaissance in our school, in our classroom, and in my life. I know that she values me because of her reinforcement of that fact, both in word and deed. When she graduates at the end of this year, I have no doubt that the 5 R’s will be present in her life while on her college campus, influencing and impacting her peers and professors for years to come. I am so very grateful for and proud of all that Kaiden has accomplished and become through her time in Ranger Renaissance!”
Kaiden shares her Renaissance story:
What’s a favorite Renaissance moment for you?
My favorite Renaissance moment was the Luau we threw last spring, hundreds of people showed up and it was amazing to see our school community be so involved. The Luau was also the moment that I realized how big of an impact Renaissance has on my school. It was also the moment I fell in love with the feeling of being a leader.
How has Renaissance impacted your school’s culture?
I joined Renaissance knowing that the climate and culture of my high school was suffering, I knew that a change needed to be made and just watching the impact that Renaissance had had on my school is astounding. Since Renaissance has been implemented into our school I’ve noticed a huge difference, our teachers are more involved and happier our students smile more and make better grade. Its truly amazing to be a part of the culture change at Chisholm Trail and I couldn’t imagine doing it any other way then through Jostens Renaissance.
How has Renaissance affected you personally?
Renaissance has affected me greatly, its truly given me a passion in doing what I love; helping people. Before I joined Renaissance I was always a kind person but Renaissance has truly taught me the gift of kindness and how it can change a whole community. I am eternally grateful for the person Renaissance has turned me into, and my life would not be the same without it!
What advice would you give to someone just starting with Renaissance?
My advice to anyone starting a Renaissance program or just joining a Renaissance group is to put your heart and soul into it, and to find people who will do the same. Renaissance for me works so well because its my whole life, I eat, sleep, and breathe Renaissance; so for others my advice would be to immerse yourself in the world of Renaissance not only within your Renaissance club or class but within your everyday life and you will truly feel and see the effects Renaissance has on the world.
Kaiden will receive a shirt and a lapel pin, and was entered into a drawing for free registration to this year’s Jostens Renaissance National Conference.
To nominate someone in your school for the National Renaissance Student of the Month honor, click here.
