This month’s National Renaissance Student of the Month is Ian Brougham from Baker High School in Oregon. Student nominator Lane Collier wrote:
Ian deserves this recognition for many reasons, but mostly for his unwavering kindness and dedication to every individual at our school. At Baker High, we have an off campus lunch option, meaning we have cafeteria lunch, but you are allowed to go eat elsewhere. Ian chooses to eat in the cafeteria every day, solely to connect with others. That is how I met Ian on one of my first days of high school, and I had not yet met many people to eat lunch with… until Ian asked to sit by me. He has so many friends, being one of the most friendly people at BHS, yet he chooses to eat in the commons, everyday, with people who are by themselves. I will see him in the hallway, and it seems he is always walking with someone new, or complimenting someone. Ian currently serves as ASB president, and leadership can be an intimidating class, especially being with upperclassmen who all seem to know each other. Everyone, including me, wanted to sit with their friends, and people they already knew. Not Ian. He went to sit with the new students, and the anxious freshmen, to make our class feel more welcoming. Ian is the blueprint of a Renaissance student, and truly makes our school a place people want to be. I am so grateful to consider him my friend.
What are you involved with at your school?
I’m involved with Football, Track, Mock Trial, ASB President.
What is something you appreciate about your school’s culture?
At BHS, I appreciate how connected everyone is. We have such a great family here, and I feel as if I could talk to almost everyone and have a great experience with them. Everyone at my school constantly makes my day better and gives me a reason to smile, and I’m so grateful to go to such a great school.
What is a favorite Renaissance moment for you?
My favorite Renaissance moment would have to be when I was invited to speak on stage with PC, Amara George, and Ava Yono at the most recent Jostens Renaissance Global Conference in Orlando. It was so much fun showing off all the cool activities and events we do at our schools, and feeling the energy from all 2,000 students and educators there was unbelievable.
How has Renaissance affected you personally?
Renaissance has directly changed the way I present myself in everyday life. It has taught me the importance of meeting and connecting with new people every day, which has directly changed my high school experience. When I was a freshman, I never would have believed I could serve as ASB President at my school, but now that I have, it has opened up countless opportunities for my future, which is scarily coming up fast. Renaissance has directly changed my life, and I’ll forever be grateful for it!
Who inspires you to Fight Forward?
My grandparents, Pat and Jim, have always given me a reason to Fight Forward. They have instilled such great morals into me and constantly inspire me to keep going. I also would have to include my friends, and my wonderful girlfriend Camber, who always gives me a reason to keep pursuing my goals no matter what I’m going through because I know they always have my back.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to make more connections?
I’d just say, don’t let the fear of going outside your comfort zone confine you from growing. From my experience, most people are waiting for someone to go out of their way and talk to them, so you might as well be the one who makes their day better, and in return, you will hopefully start a great relationship and help each other grow.
Ian will receive a water bottle and a decal in recognition of his achievement.