This month’s National Renaissance Student of the Month is RJ Moilan from Prairie Vista Middle School in Texas. The above photo was taken with a truck loaded with food collected by the Renaissance group for a canned food drive in December. Nominator Cindy Moilan writes:
“Robert (RJ) is an 8th grader on our campus and has been involved in the Renaissance program since he was in the 6th grade. He works before school, after school, over the summer and on weekends on Renaissance tasks if needed. Whenever the school needs something done, we can always count on RJ and the Renaissance group. He is a positive member of our student leadership. The story behind this pic is that the Renaissance group did a canned food drive that was a HUGE success! This picture was taken after the truck had been loaded to be takes to the food pantry. Also, RJ’s dad is the head football coach at Western Hills High School in Fort Worth ISD and some of the food went to the WHHS Alumni foundation to fill Christmas bags for students to take home over the break. The entire cab of the truck was filled to the brim too!”
RJ shares his Renaissance story:
What’s a favorite Renaissance moment for you?
We hosted a luncheon for the custodians and the administrators. They were so thankful and appreciative that we thought of them. They do a lot for our school and it was a small way of saying thank you. The smiles on their faces were what made that my favorite moment.
How has Renaissance impacted your school’s culture?
People feel like we have helped them get more involved in things that we do at school. They also like the recognition that they get at the rallies, and announcements for student of the week and the open gyms and other rewards that they can earn with their Renaissance cards. The teachers like that the students will work hard to get good grades so they can earn higher level cards. Renaissance also helps the community know that PV is a great school because of all the things we do.
How has Renaissance affected you personally?
It has helped me be a better leader. It has helped me be more grateful for the things I have because we do things that help people in need. Renaissance makes me want to work harder because the things we do take a lot of work!
What advice would you give to someone just starting with Renaissance?
Be yourself. Stand out by doing something that other people aren’t doing like sitting with someone who is sitting alone, or cleaning up a mess when everyone leaves one. Work hard.
RJ will receive a shirt and a lapel pin, and was entered into a drawing for free registration to this year’s Jostens Renaissance National Conference.
To nominate someone in your school for the National Renaissance Student of the Month honor, click here.