This month’s National Renaissance Student of the Month is Chad Nelson from Mayde Creek High School in Texas. Nominator Lizzie Herring wrote:
Chad is one of our amazing student leaders at Mayde Creek High School. As an athlete, he is exceptional on the football field and on the track – but his value to both of those programs is his ability to lead by example and encourage others to be their best. He is a kid that came in as a varsity athlete his freshman year and found a way to have upper classmen look up to him as someone that works hard and encourages those around him in every way. Outside of athletics, Chad is a student that teachers love to have in class – he finds ways to lead and serve others, most notably as a member of our PALs program where he travels to our feeder elementaries to mentor younger students. In addition to this, Chad is a member of our Renaissance group that presented in San Diego last year and helps lead our Renaissance culture work through this role and serving as a Ram Camp Leader for our student led freshman orientation program. There is no question, Chad helps bring out the best in those around him.
What are you involved with at your school?
Football, Track, Principal’s Leadership Roundtable, PALs, SALT (Student Athletic Leadership Team)
What is something you appreciate about your school’s culture?
I appreciate how welcoming and inclusive everyone is.
What’s a favorite Renaissance moment for you?
The awards gala at last year’s Jostens Renaissance Global Conference was a lot of fun!
How has Renaissance affected you personally?
It has allowed me to create relationships with people who I didn’t know or think I would be close with.
What is something that helps you feel Better Than Good?
Winning a football game! Also just waking up in the morning – I think a lot of people take that for granted.
What is something you do to help others feel Better Than Good?
I always make sure to check on people and speak to people that I think aren’t being checked on a lot.
What advice would you give to someone who is looking to help others be their best selves?
I always encourage people to be the best version of themselves. An example, if we are in the lunchroom and people leave trash, I’ll encourage my table to help clean up before our custodians get there to do it.
Chad will receive a water bottle and a decal in recognition of his achievement.