This month’s National Renaissance Student of the Month is Mia LoPiccolo from Sachem East High School in Farmingville, NY. Nominator Doreen Schaefer wrote:
Knowing yourself is key to becoming an effective leader. Gaining greater self-awareness takes intentional effort to assess your natural abilities and development opportunities; determine how to maximize your strengths and compensate for your weaknesses; and recognize your own values and perspectives. Mia LoPiccolo embodies every aspect of a true leader. Mia was first a member of our Sachem Renaissance Academic Recognition/ Student Leadership Program when she was in 4th and 5th grade at Waverly Elementary School where I started the Renaissance Program. Mia quickly got the ‘Renaissance Bug.’ Three years later, I transferred into Sachem East High School. Mia, now a freshman in the high school, heard through the grapevine that Mrs. Schaefer was now working at our high school. Well she hunted me down, so excited to see me and the first thing she said was ‘Can we start the Renaissance program here at Sachem East High School?’ And I responded ‘Of course!’ As a Renaissance Program Coordinator, I have had the honor to develop thousands of Sachem students into student leaders through the Renaissance Academic Recognition – Student Leadership Program throughout Sachem elementary, middle and high school levels. By far Mia has stood out to be one of the most remarkable individuals I have ever had the privilege to work with. When the Renaissance program was first created here at Sachem East High School, Mia quickly found herself volunteering for numerous leadership positions within the program. She moved smoothly into the position as a Sachem East High School Renaissance Program President as a sophomore and now junior. Mia is a hardworking, enthusiastic, positive, respectful and trustworthy young woman.
What are you involved with at your school?
Renaissance – President, Junior Class Government – secretary, Teens as Teachers Club, Project Happiness Club, National Honor Society, Math Honor Society, and Art Honor Society.
What is something you appreciate about your school’s culture?
Personally, I enjoy a tradition we created with Renaissance this year – every week we ask the students and Staffulty to wear their Renaissance shirts. Every Monday, we wear our Renaissance shirts to express our movement of putting your best foot forward on Mondays!
What’s a favorite Renaissance moment for you?
My favorite Renaissance memory is when we hosted a Little Flower event at our school where we invited children in foster care to come have an eventful night in a new environment. We played kickball, one of their favorite games, as well as partner games between a Little Flower student and Sachem East High School student.
How has Renaissance affected you personally?
Renaissance has taught me amazing personality traits that I will treasure. For instance after founding Renaissance in 9th grade I have learned the importance of responsibility, organization and being a team player. Renaissance has also helped me develop a greater confidence in myself while providing me with opportunities to share the aspects aspects of our club with the community. I am so grateful for the leadership traits I have learned from Renaissance.
What’s something you are “All In” for inside and outside of school?
Something I would consider I am “all in” for inside and outside of school is the importance of providing a strong role model for my peers and youth. Specifically, as Renaissance president, I am able to provide an example for middle schoolers and high schoolers of what a leader should look like to my best ability. Outside of school. I coach Gymnastics for children ages 3-10. Since I was a gymnast for 7 years, my students look up to me as an example and trust me with their skills.
What advice would you give to someone who is working on becoming more self-aware?
Personally, I believe it’s important for students who are attempting to become more self-aware to understand the concept of not being the best but rather being the best you can be. It’s important especially in the world we live to not try and outshine others and instead try and be the light in someone else’s life.
Mia will receive a water bottle and a decal in recognition of her achievement.