This month’s National Renaissance Student of the Month is Kiera Thomas from Puyallup High School in Puyallup, WA. Nominator Jamie Mooring wrote:
Kiera is brand new to my program this year. At the beginning of the year, Kiera asked if she could take over our mostly-irrelevant Puyallup High School Renaissance Instagram account — I haven’t had a student actively running it since before Covid, and even then, we were pretty hit-and-miss with it. In the last four months she has completely revitalized our social media presence! She has almost TRIPLED our number of followers. She takes the initiative to promote clubs, activities, and sports and even takes the time to do personal interviews with all kinds of students. Because of her, student voice is prominent on our account — we aren’t just a space to advertise events but a place students look to for celebrations of themselves and what they are a part of. She has singlehandedly increased our connections through her continuous work on our platform. She is creative, inclusive and thoughtful, and I am so grateful to the effort she has put in to make us relevant in the digital world of students. I could not have done it without her.
How long have you been involved with Renaissance?
Less than a year.
What’s a favorite Renaissance moment for you?
One of my favorite Renaissance moments this year has definitely been our annual Lip Dub. I think it was my favorite part of Homecoming Week especially because every student got to be involved and recognized for their activities.
How has Renaissance impacted your school’s culture?
Renaissance has been incredibly beneficial to Puyallup’s culture – we make big efforts to recognize students for their success and dedication in the activities they love, whether it be an arts program, sports, or clubs.
How has Renaissance affected you personally?
Renaissance has impacted me in a positive way. Since joining Leadership this school year, I have been connecting with all of our clubs, arts programs, and sports to ensure that everyone feels seen and heard and it has been super cool to talk to so many different students with various passions.
What advice would you give to someone just starting with Renaissance?
Go all in. High school is only four years, but time flies – make the most of your time and build connections with as many people as possible. Break out of your comfort zone!
Kiera will receive a water bottle and a sticker in recognition of her achievement.