GULF COAST REGION
Welcome #GulfCoastRenRegion educators!
Questions or want to connect with your champion? Reach out to Renaissance@Jostens.com for more information.
Meet Your Champion
Rita Pintavalle is a former principal at Brazoswood High School in Texas, a Platinum Jostens Renaissance School of Distinction. She has implemented Renaissance with fidelity in two districts, and is a believer in the power of positive energy. Rita was a college athlete at Oklahoma Baptist University and Baylor University before graduating with BSEd to become a Teacher and Coach in both Kennedale ISD and DeSota ISD. She received her MEd from the University of North Texas and her Superintendent Certificate from the University of Houston. She has served in education as a Teacher, Coach, School Board Member, Athletic Coordinator Assistant Principal and Principal as well as a Director of Discipline and Grants. In 2023, Rita was named one of the 50 top Female Leaders in Houston by The Women We Admire Organization and was inducted into the Jostens Renaissance Hall of Fame.
Meet Your Ambassador
Cholly Oglesby is the proud principal of Sartartia Middle School in Texas, where she celebrates the achievements of both students and Staffulty. She highly values the strong partnership between Sartartia Middle School, the community, and parents to provide the best educational experience for students. She is deeply committed to the District’s mission of inspiring and equipping students to pursue futures beyond their imagination, and she believes in creating an engaging and supportive environment where every child can thrive. Mrs. Oglesby’s career in education began in 2002 as a teacher and coach at Lanier Middle School in the Houston Independent School District. In 2008, she transitioned into administration at Dulles High School, where she served as an Educational Diagnostician, Assistant Principal, and Associate Principal. As a proud Jostens Renaissance leader, Mrs. Oglesby is passionate about building a culture of celebration, recognition, and relationships. She strives to empower both students and staff through positive school culture initiatives that highlight growth, achievement, and community. Mrs. Oglesby holds degrees from Texas A&M University–Kingsville, the University of Houston, and St. Thomas University. Outside of her professional life, she enjoys spending quality time with her family and friends. She is married to Lieutenant Colonel Daniel Oglesby, and they have two daughters, Grace and Sarah.
Meet Your Ambassador
Stephanie Jess is a Student Council Advisor, English IV teacher, and PALS teacher at Brazoswood High School (Texas) who helps school students develop leadership skills, strengthen communication, and grow academically and personally by providing guidance, instruction, and mentorship. She specializes in leadership development and education and has earned Jostens Global Educator of the Year, demonstrating her ability to inspire and guide students to success both inside and outside the classroom. Her passion for student success is evident by guiding students to reach their full potential academically, socially, and as leaders. In her spare time, Stephanie loves making memories with her family, catching live concerts with her daughter, and exploring new places on the back of her husband’s motorcycle.
Meet Your Ambassador
Lisa Whitlow is an Assistant Principal at Brazoswood High School in Texas, a multi-year Platinum Renaissance School of Distinction. Lisa attended Texas A&M for undergraduate work and SFA for masters degree in Educational Leadership. She has taught high school math, lead the student council in Angleton ISD, coached soccer in Angleton ISD and Pearland ISD, and campus administration at Brazosport ISD. Over the past three years at Brazoswood High Schol, she has actively participated in the Jostens Renaissance implementation and bringing ideas from the Jostens Renaissance Global Conference to her campus staff and students. Outside of the classroom, Lisa enjoys spending time with her husband and three kids by traveling and hiking national parks.