This month’s National Renaissance Student of the Month is Olivia MacLeod from Kennebecasis Valley High School in New Brunswick, Canada. Nominator Melissa Wright says:
Olivia has been a member of our Renaissance team since her grade 9 year, which was the year of COVID that students did one day online and the next day in person. Her dedication shone through from the moment she joined our team. That whole first year she never missed a meeting, both in person and online. At the end of her challenging grade 9 year, there was an opportunity for her to be a spirit leader for the Canadian student leadership conference and lead a group of students from across Canada online during the fall conference. She jumped at the opportunity. For the next two years she had the opportunity to do this virtually, and this past October had the opportunity to emcee at their event in person and be a spirit leader for students across Canada. Not only has Olivia been involved with the Canadian Student leadership conference, she emcees our NB Renaissance conference each year and our Renaissance champion celebration… She takes new students under her wing and shows them what needs to be done. She is welcoming and an upbeat and positive person. She does anything that you ask her to and even agreed to also present at the NB Renaissance conference. When asked to do it, she didn’t even hesitate and said yes before she even knew what she was presenting about. She takes every opportunity that comes her way. Her dedication to our team does not go unnoticed. She never misses a meeting, fundraiser, event or our weekly recycling (which also helps us to raise funds). She always enters my room with a smile and a positive attitude. While this is her grade 12 year and we will miss her next year, the impact she has left on our Renaissance team and school will not go unnoticed.
How long have you been involved with Renaissance?
I’ve been involved with Renaissance for four years now. I joined in grade nine and never looked back.
What’s a favorite Renaissance moment for you?
I think my favorite Renaissance moment would be how each year a few of us would gather at lunch around a table in the lobby with the Commitment to Graduate banner for the Grade 9s. Only a few came up to us to sign it and we needed as many as possible, so I came up with the idea to go into the cafeteria and make an announcement. That’s how our inside joke of “SIGN THE BANNER!” came to life. I started loudly announcing to the 9s to sign the banner as a half-joke, but now I do it every year and it’s been a really funny bonding experience for us.
How has Renaissance impacted your school’s culture?
Renaissance has done so many things for the school, most notably the Tireless Staff Award. I think this may be one of the most impactful activities our team does because it gives staff members real recognition for their efforts and time they give to to their students.
How has Renaissance affected you personally?
Renaissance has genuinely helped me find myself and my talents. Through Renaissance I got to emcee some incredible conferences which helped me realize my talent for public speaking, and I’ve made so many friends because of it.
What advice would you give to someone just starting with Renaissance?
I would tell them to get involved in every single opportunity that presents itself. Commit yourself to Renaissance and it will pay off.
Olivia will receive a water bottle and a sticker in recognition of her achievement.