Dare to Be Different

It has never been said better than how my mentor and predesessor put it to our student body for 10 years. He dared them to be different...to create their own path in school. He wanted students to know it is cool to be smart at Reno High and that message continues to resonate with our students today. You know you have made your mark as a leader when the culture you helped establish self sustains itself when you are gone. Hiring an amazing staff and having great parents doesn't hurt either.

 I marvel everyday as I witness random acts of kindness. I see students picking up trash, opening doors and supporting each other at extracurricular events. The positive culture of our school can be felt as soon as you enter the building. I hear it from substitute teachers, community members and even our superintendent. You typically hear about teenagers getting positive attention from peers for negative behaviors like class disruptions, bullying, foul language and confrontation in the hallways. The days of class clowns and bullies ruling the school has been gone a long time.  Status and popularity from peers is earned through academic achievement, volunteerism and school spirit. The students police themselves. The upperclassmen teach the pups...and I've been at Reno High long enough to see this happen year after year. It's called tradition and it is very powerful.

I thank my predesessor for establishing the tone for Reno High School. He always dared the students to be different. It's not only ok to try hard in school...it's the cool thing to do. So let's not forget our tradition and our past. Let's support each other and always remember what makes us special. Work hard, be a good person and always...always believe in yourself.