RENAISSANCE Award for Gesture Drawing A National Commitment to Excellence in Education

About this program:
Jostens Renaissance: A National Commitment to Excellence in Education

Jostens Renaissance is a proven school culture and climate framework designed to help teachers love their jobs and students thrive in school. Launched in 1988 by educators in partnership with Jostens — the longtime leader in yearbooks, class rings, and graduation products — the program promotes positive recognition as a powerful tool for building stronger schools.

At its core, Renaissance operates on a simple yet effective Results Formula™:
Respect + Recognize + Reward + Reinforce + Relationships = Results.

Schools use this approach to celebrate achievements in academics, attendance, behavior, leadership, character, and staff contributions. Rather than focusing solely on athletics, the program extends the same spirit of recognition to all students and educators who demonstrate excellence and commitment.

How It Works

Participating schools customize the program to fit their needs. Common elements include:

• Monthly recognitions and assemblies
• Renaissance cards or privileges for qualifying students
• Themed events and celebrations
• Student leadership opportunities
• Staff appreciation initiatives

Resources such as monthly playbooks, leadership curricula, professional development, and national conferences support implementation. The program is offered at no additional cost to schools that partner with Jostens for celebratory products.

Proven Impact

For more than 35 years, thousands of schools across North America have participated. Research and school reports show that strong Renaissance programs often lead to:

• Higher attendance and graduation rates
• Improved academic performance and behavior
• Greater teacher retention and morale
• A more positive, inclusive school climate

Schools that excel in implementation can earn prestigious “School of Distinction” awards at silver, gold, or platinum levels.

Whether through a simple certificate like the one you received in 1996 or large-scale school-wide celebrations, Jostens Renaissance continues to remind everyone in the school community that they matter. It turns ordinary days into opportunities for excellence — helping schools create an environment where students and teachers genuinely look forward to Mondays.

This enduring program remains a testament to the power of recognition in transforming education.

PETER A DELUCA AKAPD

AKAPAD is a versatile thinker known across Philadelphia, Europe, and even in the vast Multiverse as The Electic One. By day, he excels as an IT Mastermind, assisting individuals, both big and small, with a wide range of simple and complex solutions. In contrast, he is also a talented illustrator, a passionate comic book enthusiast, a creative content creator, and an active live streamer. Additionally, his podcast, “AKAPAD The Film Buff Podcast,” boasts an impressive catalog of over 500 episodes available on nearly every major platform.