Licking Valley's Renaissance students strengthen schools, community
HANOVER ― Licking Valley schools and the surrounding area have been "gaga" over the high school's Renaissance class for quite some time.
So, it was only fitting that the passionate students recently raised money for a new gaga ball pit at Hanover's Wyatt Adkins Legacy Park, providing space for what is dubbed a "kinder, gentler version of dodgeball." It came through their March Madness 3-on-3 basketball tournament that involved both students and members of the community.
"We raised $829.45 and hope to put it in during the next couple of weeks," Licking Valley junior Hannah Wright said.
"We care and the community cares about the park," said junior Audrey Adkins. "Initially, it was just a playground, but because of a lot of donors, there's now baseball and softball fields, basketball courts and sand volleyball. The Cody Ryan family is helping put batting cages in for the baseball fields. We're out in the community, not just in the schools."
March Madness at Licking Valley featured four players per team, plus a coach, and they paid $10 each to enter. There was a $2 admission charge, and donations were accepted.
"There was also a knockout competition, and siblings got their families involved," senior Evan Fee said. "There may have been more community members than students."
The tournament was just part of what the Renaissance class is trying to accomplish. Former Licking Valley Superintendent Dave Hile started it in 2005, as part of the Jostens Renaissance national initiative, and Tricia Phelps is the advisor. March Madness began in 2011, started by student Taylor Tolley.
"I really don't do anything. The kids do all the work and meet with their own peers," Phelps said. "It's student-led, a leadership class, and we're the only school in the county to have it, but we want to share it with anyone else that is interested."
Fee noted that they have helped West Jefferson High School get its program off the ground.
Renaissance aims to improve the climate of the school, the way it appears, and the culture. There are also programs at the middle school and elementary for Licking Valley.
"Throughout the year, we plan different events and activities, and want to increase the GPA and improve attendance," said senior Seth Phelps, the son of the class advisor. "We want to strengthen relationships in the buildings through interaction between students, classmates and teachers. A lot of students don't interact outside of class, and March Madness is one way of doing it. Everything we do is connected."
He noted that the high school now has over 50 percent of students above a 3.0 GPA.
"We want to break up the daily grind of school with incentive awards. Students between 2.5 and 2.8 may feel left out and work harder to get those rewards," he said.
Fee said the Renaissance program is based on 6 Rs: recognition; relationships; rewards for going above and beyond; respect; reinforcement; and finally, all of those coming together to produce results.
"The end goal is graduation," he said.
Fun events are scheduled throughout the year, like Monster Mash during Halloween, and March Madness. A hypnotist was brought in for an assembly as one of the awards, and a random drawing was held to choose those who were hypnotized.
Teacher Appreciation Week is held, and every month, a "Tireless Teacher" is honored and a golden tire is placed in their classroom.
"It really is a big deal for the teachers," Tricia Phelps said.
The students host a popular Veterans Day program, too.
"We have breakfast for 200 to 250 people from Hanover and the surrounding communities," Seth Phelps said.
"My grandpa and Doug Stout from the library shared amazing stories," Fee said.
There are a variety of programs throughout the year, including at the end.
"The last day of school is a hybrid school day. We have an awards program for all classes, and students are put on a pedestal," Wright said.
"On May 16, it's Senior Perfect Day, and a clap out is held for the seniors in the elementary, middle school and high school," Fee said.
Last year, 13 students and four staff members attended the Jostens Renaissance Global Conference in Orlando, Florida.
"We get to showcase what we can do in front of 400 to 450 other students," Fee said. "They want to share, and we're becoming more nationally known," Tricia Phelps said.
When 11 students and two staff members attend this year's Global Conference, at Dallas in July, they'll have a little spring in their step.
"We've applied to become a School of Distinction," Wright said. "We want to be in the top five in the nation, and I hope we've earned that."
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This article originally appeared on Newark Advocate: Licking Valley's Renaissance students strengthen schools, community
