This month’s National Renaissance Staffulty of the Month is Eugene Syvrud from Marshall High School in Marshall, WI. Nominator Keri Lange wrote:
I had a yearbook meeting at Marshall High School and was walked down to the room by Principal Syvrud. “High Five Fridays” posters and other positivity were very apparent in the hallways during our short walk. It’s true – you really just KNOW when you walk through a Jostens Renaissance school. Anyway, about halfway to the classroom, a student comes out of nowhere making positive conversations with Principal Syvrud. When the passing conversation concluded, the student decided to turn back and finish the conversation with a high five even though it was Thursday. Principal Syvrud, of course, let the student know how much he appreciated him. In my years walking through hallways in many, many schools… very few other students look up to see my smile and get a “Hello” from me. If I’m lucky, I get eye contact and, “Hello,” from a Staffulty monitoring the halls. But at Marshall High School, it is different. It was apparent in that very short walk that everyone is seen, even me (who the student didn’t even know was from Jostens) as I was included in his high fives—because at Marshall, it’s ALWAYS High Five Fridays for EVERYONE—even on Thursdays. If I could send you a photo of how that quick interaction made me feel, it would look like a big cheesy smiling heart. Go, Principal Syvrud and that amazing student for making a difference one high five at a time.
What do you teach? Are you involved with anything else at your school?
I am the Principal, the Renaissance Co-Advisor, a Bus Driver, Game Announcer, and Baseball Coach.
What is something you appreciate about your school’s culture?
I love to see the “unconnected” connect! I enjoy when students support their fellow classmates at extra-curricular activities. Our school’s culture has been impacted so much by the daily focus of Standing Out. Students and Staffulty make the daily choice to show up, do the right thing, and put in the work which has greatly decreased the amount of apathy that was previously here before we started using Renaissance in our school.
What’s a favorite Renaissance moment for you?
The moment that put me on this journey was at a Happy R and Eric Lillis said I had to go to JRGC. He said it was life changing! That was the moment my Renaissance adventure began. I am grateful everyday for Lillis and Erin Young, the Renaissance educator at my school.
How has Renaissance affected you personally?
Going through the SchoolMark process really helped me focus on what I wanted for my Staffulty and students and provided the roadmap which I live by now.
What is something you are “All In” for inside or outside of school?
I am ALL IN for getting my students college, career, a life ready. I am also ALL IN for being a Hope Dealer and my STANDOUT Cardinals. Outside of school I am ALL IN for making sure everyone in my life is seen, heard, and loved.
What advice would you give to someone who is looking to practice an attitude of gratitude?
Making someone feel good about themselves is always “Doing the Right Thing.” My biggest piece of advice is to be mindful that you will typically see what you want to see, whether that be positive or negative, so make sure you always find ways to see the positive, even in tough situations. Practicing gratitude is simply an extension of recognition. Opening your mouth and telling someone why they matter is vital in the improvement of an attitude of gratitude.
Eugene will receive a coffee tumbler and a lapel pin in recognition of his achievement.