By Beth Stockwell

Special to the Tribune

The loud cheers heard in the Dottie Kelso Gymnasium on Sunday afternoon, Nov. 10, were not the result of an intense basketball game, but rather the excitement of recognizing academic success at Marshall County High School.

The fall Renaissance Ceremony honored over 400 students who achieved or maintained high grades and excellent attendance for the past semester. They were rewarded with tee shirts, coupon books, and special prizes, including $2,000 in cash awards and 12 bean bag chairs.

"I'm glad each of you made it important to be here," Principal John Bush told the huge crowd, explaining the ceremony was moved to a Sunday afternoon so more parents and family members could join in the celebration.

"Renaissance is a philosophy, not a program," he continued. "Student efforts are rewarded, not just recognized."

Jostens Renaissance® is designed to help create and maintain a strong sense of pride in the school community, which they believe is a fundamental building block of success. Each school can customize Renaissance to fit their needs based on four critical areas -- culture, motivation, performance, and recognition.

Marshall County High School students are challenged to earn Blue, White, Black or Gray cards, each of which comes with a tee shirt in that color so they can easily be identified as Renaissance award recipients. Based on the previous semester, the Blue card is for As; White card is for all As and Bs; Black card is for a GPA raised by 0.5 point or for maintaining a 4.0 GPA for consecutive semesters; and the Gray card is for no absences, tardies and/or discipline issues.

Bush, along with Assistant Principals Shanda Sparrow and David Steely, made sure the crowd was loud and proud, encouraging the parents to show their student how excited they were about their accomplishment.

"We have a good crowd here, and we know how to celebrate success," he added.

School board members were excited about the program when they held their monthly meeting the next night.

"I was really impressed," said Barbara Kennedy. "It's a wonderful opportunity to encourage kids to do better. My kudos to Mr. Bush."

"That's what it's all about: what's going on in the schools," concluded School Board Chairman Mike Keny.

See page A7 for names of winners and more pictures.