This month’s National Renaissance Students of the Month is Anni Lopez and Ava Lopez from La Quinta Middle School in California. Nominator Dr. Farah Ortega-Choate wrote:
: Anni and Ava Lopez hold the two most influential student leadership positions on campus: ASB/StuCo President and Renaissance President. Anni manages the logistical heartbeat of the school through student government. Ava focuses on the recognition and climate for students and Staffulty. They have found a way to unite our leadership programs and entire campus! From day one, these wonder twins haven’t just participated in school culture…they have created it! While they are distinct leaders, their shared mission to take school culture to the next level is what sets them apart. They represent a unified front that elevates our school’s culture and demonstrates how collaboration leads to better results. Anni and Ava embody the Renaissance spirit of the Six R’s. Together, they haven’t just improved our school…they’ve redefined what student leadership looks like here. As ASB President and Renaissance President, they don’t just hold titles; they embody the ‘best effort’ criteria by serving as the heartbeat of our campus spirit and culture. From their first day as sixth graders and through today as eighth graders, they have modeled a work ethic that inspires their peers and Staffulty to aim higher, proving that leadership is most effective when it is collaborative.
What are you involved with at your school?
Anni: ASB, WEB, Gardening, Pinots Pallet, Spirit Club, Student Ambassador, Peer Mediator, Christian Club, GATE Club, Bulldog Book Buddies, Paw Pals
Ava: Renaissance, W.E.B., Yearbook, Peer Mediator, Christian Club, Gardening, Spirit Club
What is something you appreciate about your school’s culture?
Anni: I appreciate the supportive community that our campus has. From our Staffulty to our students, I have never felt alone. I always know there are people I can depend on and who are rooting for my benefit. In the end, I think that is one of the best qualities our campus has.
Ava: As soon as you walk on our campus you can feel the love and support of our school’s culture and climate. Our staffulty makes us feel so appreciated and makes school a safe place for us to learn. Their support in our rallies has made it possible for us to recognize and celebrate others to make our school more inclusive and welcoming to everyone.
What’s a favorite Renaissance moment for you?
Anni: My favorite Renaissance moment would be when we were at one of our rallies. I work sound booth at the rallies, so I get to see everyone get their awards and play the games. Seeing someone’s face light up when they hear their name getting called and everyone cheering is something truly inspiring. Everyone likes to be recognized, so just seeing people get excited for their friends and themselves is so heart-warming!
Ava: My favorite moment in Renaissance is when I see us perform our rallies and see all of our hard work come together so we can recognize so many amazing students and Staffulty. Our purpose is to make everyone feel seen, heard, and loved, and each time we perform our rallies I get to experience what that truly means.
How has Renaissance affected you personally?
Anni: Being a part of leadership has grown my confidence, and helped me impact others in ways I could never imagine. It feels so amazing to be a part of something bigger than yourself, and leadership is such an amazing and inspiring community. I truly would not be where I am at if it weren’t for Dr. Farah, and all of the awesome leadership students.
Ava: Being in Renaissance made me able to build connections with my peers. Renaissance has helped me build so many amazing relationships with my school community. I have learned so much through all of the amazing experiences and opportunities I get because I get to be in such a truly amazing program. I would not have been the same person without Renaissance and Dr. Farah doing such an incredible job leading it.
What is something that helps you feel Better Than Good?
Anni: Something that makes me feel Better Than Good is being around people who care about me and want to help me grow. Whether it is at the softball fields practicing, or in school with my friends, there is a different kind of love that comes from people who want to see you succeed. It makes me feel so good, and grateful to have them as a part of my life!
Ava: Something that makes me feel Better than Good is when I come to school excited. Not only because of a friend or a class, but because of such a welcoming community that our students and staffulty have created. They help me feel capable of doing anything and that makes me feel like I am part of something bigger than just a school, but a family.
What is something you do to help others feel Better Than Good?
Anni: A saying I know we all hear a lot is making everyone feel “seen, heard, and loved.” With every person I meet I try to make sure they know just how appreciated they are. Just by listening to people’s problems and offering support can make a huge difference. I try to always talk to people who are sitting alone or who may not feel like they are getting seen often. Offering that support to others can make the biggest difference!
Ava: At school we always tell our leadership team that it’s not about us, it’s because of us. When we do our Renaissance rallies we make sure that everyone knows the purpose of it, and that is to recognize others and make our whole campus feel like they are always seen, heard, and loved. I think this helps others really feel and know what it means to feel Better than Good. This creates a campus of students who can feel more capable to pursue anything to the best of their abilities.
What advice would you give someone who wants to give their best effort more consistently?
Ava: Surround yourself with people who will motivate you to maintain high standards and even exceed them. Find role models who will help you strive to be your best self and give you opportunities to grow. It’s not about being perfect, it is about trying your best every time.
Anni: Always give 100% in all that you do. You should be proud of what you put out into the world. Pay attention to who you surround yourself with because they will either help you grow or bring you down. If you do have down days, don’t let them define you. Find a way to get yourself back on track.
Anni and Ave will receive a water bottle and a decal in recognition of their achievement.