Washougal High School earns 2024 Jostens Gold Tier School of Distinction

WASHOUGAL — Washougal High School student leaders were recently recognized with the 2024 Jostens Gold Tier School of Distinction Award for their work to improve school climate and culture. Riley Vaughan, Jude Maddox, Gavin Johnson, Mackenzie Olkowski, and teachers Kyla Ritchey and Tami Grant accepted the award July 18 at the Jostens Renaissance Global Conference in Orlando, Fla.

The award celebrates schools for fostering a supportive and engaging school environment. Schools can apply for one of three levels of distinction: silver, gold or platinum.

Washougal student leaders organized a Renaissance Rally to recognize students for academic and extracurricular achievements. They measured the success of their efforts to improve school culture by using data from the Office of Superintendent of Public Instruction’s report card and interviewing students and staff.

The leadership class also organizes the annual Stuff the Bus community fundraiser and a handful of other initiatives to promote a sense of belonging at school.

“Stuff the Bus is when everyone comes together as a family to help out our community and brings us all closer,” said Olkowski, an 11th-grade student at Washougal High School.

Student leaders also have a voice in making decisions that impact school culture by participating in monthly Student Voice Council meetings with Principal Mark Castle. Student leaders also serve as representatives to the Washougal school board.

“Since 2020, our student leadership group has been implementing Renaissance Program ideas to improve climate and culture at our school. This was our first year to apply for the award, and we’re all very excited that we’re being recognized as a Gold Tier school,” said Ritchey, the Associated Student Body teacher.