The Green Room Podcast Series

I had the honor of chatting with Abby Jones, an 11th-grade student at Kennebecasis Valley High School in Quispamsis, New Brunswick, where she has established herself as a dynamic leader. She’s the captain of her school’s rugby team, a senior editor for the yearbook, and an active member of the Renaissance team. Her involvement in extracurricular activities not only showcases her leadership skills but also highlights her commitment to making a difference in her school community. Abby is an absolute #RockStar and you're gonna love getting to know her during this episode!

In this episode of the podcast, I had the chance to connect with Luke Greller, a #RockStar student leader from Newberg High School in Newberg, Oregon. Luke shares insights on balancing academics, sports, and leadership, the importance of community involvement, and his future aspirations including college football and personal growth. Luke is an incredible young man with a super bright future!

I had the chance to connect with Jose Mendoza, a #RockStar student leader from Brazoswood High School in Clute, TX. Jose shares his experiences with school culture, leadership, community involvement, and preparing for college at Texas Tech University. He shares a ton of insights on student recognition, staff appreciation, and the power of student leadership in shaping a positive school environment. Jose is an incredible student leader and you're gonna love this episode!

In this high-energy episode, I had the chance to connect with my guy, Jonathan Alsheimer! Jonathan is a rock star educator, speaker, and author. He shares his journey in education, a ton of innovative teaching strategies, and the power of relationships and effort as they relate to student success. Jonathan also shares a ton of practical tips for student engagement, motivation, and creating a positive school culture, as well as why you should attend JRGC this summer! This is a banger episode!

In this episode of the "Kids These Days" podcast, I had the chance to connect with Amara George, a student leader from Marshall High School in Marshall, WI. Amara shares her journey into leadership, her passions for photography and community involvement, and her insights on standing out and making a difference in her school and community. Amara is an absolute #RockStar student leader and you're gonna love this episode!

In this episode of the "Kids These Days" podcast, I had the chance to connect with Ava Yono, a senior at L'Anse Creuse High School North in Michigan. Ava shares her journey as a student leader, discussing her involvement in various clubs, the challenges of transitioning to a new school, and the importance of leadership qualities. She reflects on her experiences in sports, the impact of social media on teenagers, and how she balances her academic and social life. Ava also highlights the significance of recognizing both students and staff within the school community, and she shares her aspirations for the future as she prepares for college. Ava is a #RockStar student leader and you're gonna love this episode!

In this episode of the "Kids These Days" podcast, I had the chance to connect with Braylen Mitchem, a senior at Fox Creek High School in South Carolina, who shares his journey as a student leader and athlete. Braylen discusses his passion for lacrosse, his involvement in the Renaissance Crew, and the positive impact of these experiences on his personal growth and school community. The conversation highlights the importance of inclusivity, recognition of achievements, and the role of educators in shaping young leaders. You're gonna love this episode!

In this episode of the Green Room podcast, I had the chance to connect with Dr. Melissa Saucier, the principal of Hancock Middle School in Kiln, Mississippi. Dr. Saucier shares her unique journey into education, which began unexpectedly after Hurricane Katrina. She discusses her leadership philosophy, emphasizing the importance of relationships and collaboration among staff. Dr. Saucier also highlights her initiatives to improve school culture, including student recognition programs and staff morale-building activities. The conversation touches on the challenges of staff turnover, the implementation of Jostens Renaissance, and innovative projects like the Flight Lab. Finally, Dr. Saucier shares her insights on finding balance in a demanding leadership role.

In this episode of the Green Room podcast, I had the chance to connect with my good friend, Dr. Michelle Carney-Ray Yoder, the superintendent of Central Regional School District in New Jersey. We discuss Dr. Yoder's inspiring journey in education, starting from her early days as a paraprofessional and culminating in her current role as a superintendent. Dr. Yoder shares her passion for education and the importance of building relationships within the school community, emphasizing the need for visibility and authenticity in leadership. She recounts her experiences with the Jostens Renaissance program, which has significantly transformed the culture and climate of her schools, fostering a sense of pride and community among students and staff alike. Dr. Yoder also elaborates on the implementation of the Schoolmark program, which focuses on branding and identity for the school district. She highlights the collaborative process of creating a new logo and slogan that resonates with the community, ultimately leading to a renewed sense of identity and pride among students and staff. The conversation also touches on innovative recognition programs for both students and staff, showcasing how positive reinforcement and community involvement can lead to a thriving educational environment. Dr. Yoder's enthusiasm and commitment to her role shine through, making this episode a must-listen for anyone interested in educational leadership and community building.

This was an awesome convo with #RockStar student leader, Alexis Dishman, a senior at Gloucester High School in Virginia. Alexis shares her journey as a student leader, highlighting her involvement in various clubs, including the Jostens Renaissance program, and her aspirations to pursue nursing while playing softball at Methodist University. Throughout the conversation, Alexis emphasizes the importance of student recognition and community engagement, detailing initiatives like academic rallies and movie nights that foster school spirit and connection among students. The discussion also delves into Alexis's personal growth through her experiences, including obtaining her CNA license and her role as a Jostens ambassador. She reflects on the impact of supportive educators, particularly Mr. and Mrs. Coleman, who have played a significant role in her development. The episode concludes with a focus on the upcoming Jostens Renaissance regional event at Gloucester High School, showcasing the school's commitment to leadership and community building, and Alexis's excitement to share their initiatives with other schools.