Dwight Carter is a nationally recognized school leader from Central Ohio and has been an educator for 27 years. Because of his collaborative and innovative leadership, in 2010 he was inducted into the Jostens Renaissance Educator Hall of Fame. He was also named a 2013 National Association of Secondary School Principals Digital Principal of the Year, the 2014 Academy of Arts and Science Education High School Principal of the Year, the 2015 Ohio Alliance of Black School Educators Principal of the Year, and a 2021 Columbus Afrocentric Early College Sankofa Emerging Leader Award winner. He is currently an administrator with Eastland-Fairfield Career & Technical Schools.

He is the co-author of three books: What’s In Your Space? Five Steps to Better School and Classroom Design (Corwin, 2015), Leading Schools in Disruptive Times: How to Survive Hyper-change (Corwin 2017), and the second edition of Leading Schools in Disruptive Times (Corwin, 2021). His most recent book, Be GREAT: Five Principles to Improve School Culture from the Inside Out, was published by IMPress in 2022. Additionally, he has contributed to several educational books and articles.

Want to talk to Dwight? He can answer all your questions about using Renaissance. Email Renaissance@jostens.com and we’ll connect you.

Alysia Samborsky

Harrison Township, Michigan

Alysia has devoted over 23 years to L’Anse Creuse High School, serving as a science teacher, volleyball coach, associate principal and now principal. Rooted in strong relationships and high expectations, she leads with a student-centered philosophy that ensures every individual feels valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. Guided by the school’s motto Show Up, Stand Up, Never Give Up, she champions a positive, inclusive culture that recognizes students for their academics, character, and contributions, while preparing them to graduate confident, capable, and ready for life beyond high school.

Get in touch with Alysia! If you live near Harrison Township and want to connect with Alysia or other Renaissance educators in your area, email Renaissance@jostens.com and we’ll connect you!

Danielle MacLeod

Harrison Township, Michigan

Danielle MacLeod is a High School Counselor at L’Anse Creuse High School who helps high school students by helping high school students find their voice, own their story, and rise to their potential– because every Lancer deserves to be seen, celebrated, and set up for success!
Danielle MacLeod specializes in connecting students to opportunity through counseling, recognition programs, and vibrant social media storytelling and has been recognized nationally as a Jostens Renaissance Staffulty of the Month, with her work reaching students and educators well beyond her own school walls. In her spare time, Danielle enjoys being a mom to her three little girls, creating custom banners through her small business, and finding small pockets of peace wherever she can get them!

Get in touch with Danielle! If you live near Harrison Township and want to connect with Danielle or other Renaissance educators in your area, email Renaissance@jostens.com and we’ll connect you!

Melissa Chase

L’Anse Creuse, Michigan

Melissa loves to build school culture, champion people, and develop leaders. As an English teacher, volleyball coach, and club sponsor, she always valued relationships, but getting involved with the Jostens Renaissance community the last few years has deepened her passion for building positive school culture.  In her current role as an assistant principal at L’Anse Creuse High School North, she thrives when she is empowering others, drawing the best out of them, celebrating the power of a unified team, and planning special events that create lasting memories for staff and students. She leads with the belief that true change is created through consistent, intentional expressions of kindness, joy, and hope toward those around her.  

Get in touch with Melissa! If you live near L’Anse Creuse and want to connect with Melissa or other Renaissance educators in your area, email Renaissance@jostens.com and we’ll connect you!

Sheri Hoving

Grand Rapids, Michigan

Sheri Hoving is a Physical Education Teacher and Student Council Advisor at East Kentwood High School, where she works with student athletes and student leaders to help them become the best version of themselves. Through servant leadership, mentorship, and relationship-building, Sheri is passionate about helping students grow into confident leaders and compassionate people both inside and outside the classroom. Sheri specializes in teaching servant leadership to student leaders and introducing students to weight training and fitness in a positive, encouraging environment. She is known for creating school spirit and community connections through planning large-scale homecoming events, leading energetic school rallies, and building meaningful relationships with students and families. One of her proudest accomplishments was being named Teacher of the Month by a local television station, where former students, current students, and parents were able to share the impact she has had on their lives. Sheri also spent 12 years as a varsity softball coach, leading teams to multiple district championships. She has additionally been has been voted “Forever Falcon” by students for the past five years. Outside of school, Sheri enjoys traveling with her boyfriend, staying active, reading, and spending time with her close friend and “unofficial sister,” Cassie Oostindie.

Get in touch with Sheri! If you live near Grand Rapids and want to connect with Sheri or other Renaissance educators in your area, email Renaissance@jostens.com and we’ll connect you!

Cassandra Oostindie

Kentwood, Michigan

Cassandra Oostindie is a Renaissance Ambassador at East Kentwood High School and Freshman Campus who helps the student body by infusing the school day with energy and creating spaces where every Falcon feels connected while celebrating academic and personal growth. Cassie specializes in event coordination and recognition and has led high-energy initiatives, such as Senior Parade and BBQ, 8th Grade visits, and monthly challenges that increase student and staff engagement.  In 2026, she was named a Jostens Renaissance Educator of the Year. In her spare time, Cassie enjoys camping, traveling and making memories with her family She is driven by the belief that school should be a place students truly want to be every single day.

Get in touch with Cassie! If you live near Kentwood and want to connect with Cassie or other Renaissance educators in your area, email Renaissance@jostens.com and we’ll connect you!

Marnie Hade

Jackson, Michigan

Marnie Hade is an educator at Northwest High School who teaches Communication Arts courses and advises a variety of student programs, including student leadership through the Renaissance Exchange Council. Marnie is passionate about encouraging student leaders and creating opportunities for student and staff engagement. Since she began her career in education in 1996, she has advised Yearbook and Broadcasting programs, several student leadership programs including Renaissance, and a variety of clubs. When she’s not in her classroom, you can often find Marnie on the sidelines of school events with her camera in hand, working on both large and small community service projects, and enjoying time with friends and in the garden.

Get in touch with Marnie! If you live near Jackson and want to connect with Marnie or other Renaissance educators in your area, email Renaissance@jostens.com and we’ll connect you!

Tricia Phelps

Newark, Ohio

Tricia is a Health and Physical Education teacher at Licking Valley High School in Newark, OH and has been Renaissance adviser there since 2008. Currently Tricia’s school district has a Renaissance Program at the high school, middle school and elementary levels.  With the help of a supportive administration and a participating district they have been recognized with the Renaissance Platinum School of Distinction for 2023, 2024 and 2025.  Tricia was named 2023 Jostens Renaissance Educator of the Year. In her spare time, she enjoys running, walking and spending time with family. 

Get in touch with Tricia! If you live near Newark and want to connect with Tricia or other Renaissance educators in your area, email Renaissance@jostens.com and we’ll connect you!

Erin Young

Marshall, Wisconsin

Erin is a passionate Health Education teacher at Marshall Middle/High School in Marshall, Wisconsin. She is a proud graduate of the University of Wisconsin–Stevens Point and holds a Master of Education degree from the University of Wisconsin–La Crosse. Dedicated to the health and wellness of both her students and colleagues, Erin also serves as a leader of the “Cardinal Crew” and the Middle School Leadership Crew at Marshall. Both programs are rooted in the Jostens Renaissance framework, focusing on teacher morale, academic achievement, and character development. With nearly 20 years of experience coaching various sports at multiple levels, Erin is always ready to step up with confidence and make a meaningful impact— both on and off the field. Known for her ability to connect with students from all walks of life, Erin uses her wide range of interests to support and celebrate what makes each student unique. Her vibrant energy and positive outlook have earned her recognition in the classroom, at school events, and within the coaching community. Erin has played a key role—alongside others—in cultivating a strong, positive school climate and culture at Marshall. Under this collective leadership, Marshall High School has received the Platinum School of Distinction Award two years in a row, and Marshall Middle School has earned the Gold School of Distinction Award. Outside of school, Erin enjoys playing softball, pursuing her personal health goals, and spending quality time with her family. 

Get in touch with Erin! If you live near Marshall and want to connect with Erin or other Renaissance educators in your area, email Renaissance@jostens.com and we’ll connect you!

Justin Kosek

West Allis, Wisconsin

Justin Kosek is the Enrollment Services Business Specialist for the West Allis-West Milwaukee School District, where he helps students, families, and staff navigate enrollment and student information processes while supporting efficient district operations. With a strong commitment to student success, community engagement, and fostering a positive culture and climate, Justin works to create streamlined systems that help families feel welcomed, connected, and supported throughout their educational journey. Justin specializes in building positive school culture and climate through student engagement, relationship-building, and collaborative leadership. For the past three years, he has worked closely with Jostens Renaissance to help create welcoming school environments that celebrate students, strengthen staff morale, and foster meaningful connections across the school community. With 15 years of experience in education spanning the elementary, intermediate, and high school levels, Justin brings a well-rounded perspective and a deep understanding of how strong culture and climate initiatives can positively impact student success and belonging. In his spare time, Justin enjoys spending time with his wife and kids, playing with his dog, hunting, fishing, and visiting Disney as often as his budget allows.

Get in touch with Justin! If you live near West Allis and want to connect with Justin or other Renaissance educators in your area, email Renaissance@jostens.com and we’ll connect you!

Andrea Eichelkraut

La Salle, Illinois

Andrea Eichelkraut is a school counselor and former English teacher at La Salle-Peru High School (LP). LP started their Renaissance program 19 years ago, and Andrea has served as one their coordinators since 2014. During this time, LP Renaissance has received multiple recognitions, including being named a Platinum School of Distinction in 2021, 2024, and 2025. Andrea was also named a Jostens Renaissance Educator of the Year in 2018. During her time as coordinator, Andrea implemented Harbor Homeroom, a schoolwide initiative where student leaders are trained to facilitate character development discussions among their peers, building leadership and connections. In her spare time, Andrea enjoys relaxing by her pool, visiting coffee shops, and spending time with her family, especially her husband, two young children, and black lab. Andrea believes that everyone can be a difference maker and is excited to have the opportunity to work with other educators.

Get in touch with Andrea! If you live near La Salle and want to connect with Andrea or other Renaissance educators in your area, email Renaissance@jostens.com and we’ll connect you!

Anna Johnson

Ashby, Minnesota

Anna Johnson is a Licensed School Counselor for Ashby Public Schools, and specializes in supporting students’ academic, social and mental well-being aged 3-18. She has expertise in supporting educational staff in trauma -sensitive teaching and calming techniques. In her spare time she is an avid runner and reader, who enjoys spending time camping and adventuring with her husband, 3 daughters and goldendoodle, Max; and online shopping a bit too much!

Get in touch with Anna! If you live near Ashby and want to connect with Anna or other Renaissance educators in your area, email Renaissance@jostens.com and we’ll connect you!

Nathan Wood

Barrett, Minnesota

Nathan Wood is a Secondary Principal at West Central Area Schools, leading a 5-12 building in rural Minnesota. He focuses on building strong relationships, improving student engagement, and creating systems that help students show up, succeed, and stay connected. A firm believer in the power of recognition and celebration, Nathan knows that when students feel seen and valued, everything else follows. In addition to his role as principal, Nathan serves as head football coach and in the National Guard, bringing a consistent, team-first approach to leadership across all areas of his work. Outside of school, Nathan enjoys fitness and continuous self-improvement. He and his wife, have two daughters currently in college and a three-month-old son. Whether on the sideline, in the hallway, or in uniform, Nathan leads with the belief that every young person deserves someone in their corner and that building a culture of recognition is one of the most powerful things a school can do. Outside of school, Nathan enjoys fitness and continuous self-improvement. He and his wife, have two daughters currently in college and a three-month-old son. Whether on the sideline, in the hallway, or in uniform, Nathan leads with the belief that every young person deserves someone in their corner and that building a culture of recognition is one of the most powerful things a school can do.

Get in touch with Nate! If you live near Barrett and want to connect with Nate or other Renaissance educators in your area, email Renaissance@jostens.com and we’ll connect you!

Trisha Bemboom

Sauk Rapids, Minnesota

Trisha Bemboom is the Director of Student Activities for the Minnesota Association of Student Leaders (MASL), where she works with student leaders and advisors to strengthen school culture through leadership development, service, and student voice. A former educator with 24 years of experience at Sauk Rapids-Rice High School, she is passionate about helping students discover their leadership potential and empowering schools to build connected, inclusive communities.

Get in touch with Trisha! If you live near Sauk Rapids and want to connect with Trisha or other Renaissance educators in your area, email Renaissance@jostens.com and we’ll connect you!