WEST JEFFERSON HIGH SCHOOL NAMED JOSTENS® RENAISSANCE® SCHOOL OF DISTINCTION
182 Schools Honored with National School-Climate-and-Culture Award
West Jefferson, Ohio, August 18, 2026 — Jostens has announced that West Jefferson High School was named as a Renaissance School of Distinction.
The Jostens Renaissance School of Distinction designation was created to celebrate those schools that are making a positive impact on their school climate and culture through executing The Results Formula™: Respect + Reinforce + Recognize + Reward + Relationships = Results™.
"Jostens is honored to recognize our Renaissance Schools of Distinction," said Sara Sausker, Director of Jostens Renaissance Education. “The passion and dedication of the educators and student leaders at these schools are a driving force in building a culture of achievement, pride and belonging. Each of these schools have demonstrated measurable results in the areas of their own focus, often educator morale or academic achievement. At the same time, they create a culture where every student belongs, not just attends. These schools truly create an exceptional environment for both staff and students.”
The School of Distinction Award was achieved by 182 schools across North America and demonstrates the highest level of accomplishment. To reach this level, schools implemented strategies in eight or more separate areas and described and documented their successes through a rigorous application process. Silver is the lowest level, with the fewest requirements, followed by Gold and then Platinum. When a school achieves Platinum level for five consecutive years, they are eligible to apply for Diamond level, which is the ultimate level of recognition a school can receive from Jostens Renaissance. More information is available at
“Renaissance is going into our 8th year here at WJHS. Our mission has been to improve the culture and climate of our school by fostering an atmosphere where all students feel welcome and accepted, while cultivating a positive culture and holding everyone accountable. Relationships are a key component to creating success for our students and we want our students to feel that our staff wants them here and wants them all to be successful in their own way. Our goal will be to continue to create opportunities for student growth, in both academic and leadership, while providing ways for student involvement across the school,” said Zach Olson.
West Jefferson High School was recognized at the 2026 Jostens Renaissance Global Conference this June in Orlando, Florida and will receive a personalized poster along with other recognition items to commemorate this achievement.
ABOUT JOSTENS RENAISSANCE EDUCATION
Jostens Renaissance Education is a framework for building a culture where teachers love their jobs and students thrive in school. Renaissance helps schools across the country achieve tangible results through strengthening educator morale, academic achievement and character development. Founded in 1988 and based in Minneapolis, Minn., for more information visit jostensrenaissance.com.
ABOUT JOSTENS
Jostens, a trusted partner within the academic and achievement space, provides products and services that help its customers celebrate meaningful milestones. The company's product assortment includes yearbooks, publications, custom-crafted jewelry and consumer goods that serve the K-12, collegiate and professional sports markets. Jostens was founded in 1897 and is headquartered in Minneapolis, Minn. Visit jostens.com for more information.