JOSTENS RENAISSANCE EDUCATOR OF THE YEAR

2023 RECIPIENTS

Crisla Herchenhahn is a teacher at Pascagoula High School in Pascagoula, MS in the Magnolia Renaissance Region.  As a math teacher and basketball coach, Herchenhahn works tirelessly to help students achieve their goals and reach their fullest potential.

She holds a Bachelors of Science in Physical Education from University of Montevallo, and a Masters of Science in Sports Management from University of Southern Mississippi. She is a four-time Division Coach of the Year, and has been a recipient of Teacher of the Year, Melinda Mitchell Panther Pride, and Above and Beyond Awards at Pascagoula High School. Crisla has been in education for 27 years and a Renaissance coordinator for 16 years at two different high schools.

Rhett Ladner, Superintendent of Hancock Schools and Renaissance Hall of Fame member, wrote: “Coach H is a true leader who leads by example. Her dedication to her students is evident in the time and effort she puts into creating a positive and supportive learning environment. She always goes above and beyond to help her students succeed, and she has a gift for inspiring and motivating them to reach their full potential.”

We asked Crisla what about what matters most to her about Renaissance, and she responded “For over 15 years, the Jostens Renaissance framework and philosophy has given me a credible educational foundation, focus, and understanding of how I want to teach and reach my students. It has also allowed me to be a change agent in my school that addresses the climate and culture as it pertains to the physical campus and the logistics of our school that influence students every time they walk through the doors. Jostens Renaissance reminds me daily that what we do and who we are is a daily expectation and opportunity to make IT matter.”

Her advice to someone just starting a Renaissance group is, “Start where you are! Look around at what you already do well and what you do that can just be made into a bigger or more intentional purpose. Stay determined but be patient. Find like-minded people on your campus to help you. Remember that IT matters! Even if IT is the smallest recognition, reward, or incentive.”

Christiana Onuskanich is an English Language Arts and Leadership teacher at Central Mountain Middle School in Mill Hall, PA in the North Atlantic Renaissance Region.  Christina earned her Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education with a minor in Spanish and a concentration in Art from the Lock Haven University and her Masters of Education in Reading with Reading Specialist Certification from Bloomsburg University. She has been in education for 21 years and a Renaissance coordinator since 2018.

Sara Strouse, Principal of Central Mountain Middle School wrote to us describing the impact that Christina has on students: “She has always had a passion for helping others and improving our school climate and culture. Christina helps make coming to school FUN for students and staff. She leads the efforts in organizing spirit weeks, rewards, book fairs, recognition rallies, assemblies, chalking the sidewalks, and painting the bathrooms and school walls.”

Christina’s advice for someone just starting with Renaissance is “Be sure to build your student leaders up and don’t be afraid to let them lead because when you believe in them, they will rise and surprise every time! Most importantly, love them all! Feel the love that Jostens Renaissance has to offer and spread that love throughout your school and district. It truly is the best feeling in the world!”

We asked Christina what her favorite Renaissance moment is and she told us “We kicked off the [school] year by inviting PC to join our middle and high schools for two amazing days of school-wide assemblies and that just ignited intense passion and positive energy that was felt by everyone… Students were buzzing with ideas of how to improve our school. New projects started taking place. It was AWESOME…The biggest surprise was when PC gifted an electric guitar to one of our students who was battling cancer that year. Because he wasn’t able to be in school when PC was there, his younger sister accepted the guitar in his place. To this day, that guitar continues to bring joy to their family.”

Tricia Phelps is a Health and Physical Education teacher at Licking Valley High School in Newark, OH in the Great Lakes Renaissance Region. Tricia received her Bachelor of Science in Education from Ashland University. She has been a teacher for 25 years and has been coordinating Renaissance for 19 of those years.

Like a true servant leader, Tricia says her favorite Renaissance moments are “watching from afar when an event takes place and I get to take the picture to post on social media (seeing all the positive comments is so great especially when Renaissance alumni thank the current students for keeping the traditions going). It allows all the planning and hard work my Renaissance kids do to be showcased- I love seeing my Renaissance leaders develop skills and confidence to lead in front of large assemblies. I love what I do.”

Renaissance Hall of Famer Dwight Carter says “Tricia embodies the principles of Jostens Renaissance, not because it’s her job, but because it’s who she is. She genuinely loves her students and school community, and that love is exemplified daily. I look to her for inspiration and encouragement because she is a Renaissance champion!”

Tricia’s advice to someone just getting started with Renaissance is to “Go for it – Students love knowing someone sees their success and offers even the smallest recognition. Do what is best for your school and do not compare it to others. Try an event that seems so silly- it will be so much FUN! Lastly, work with your community and let them help you financially- Ask for HELP!”

Previous Educators of the Year