In an exhilarating ceremony held at Lumberjack Arena, Jostens, a leading provider of school products and services, announced the Warren School District as the grand prize winner of their coveted $150,000 Epic School Revamp grant. The event brought together hundreds of students from across the district, enthusiastic community members, and Warren School District (WSD) staff, including the district’s Superintendent, Bryan Cornish.
The ceremony commenced with a vibrant pep assembly, where accolades were showered upon the Warren Women’s Basketball team and the Warren Men’s Basketball Team.
The anticipation in the arena reached a crescendo as the School District revealed the culmination of their efforts from the past year. Warren High’s EAST students, led by facilitator Payton Reep, had meticulously crafted a compelling video pitch presenting Warren as the most deserving candidate for Jostens’ grant.
The video poignantly highlighted the challenges faced by the school in recovering from a severe 2022 fire that damaged the High School. It underscored the school’s resilient spirit, portraying it as a close-knit family and the heartbeat of the community. The emotional video resonated with Jostens, setting the stage for the grand announcement.
Jostens representatives took the spotlight amidst thunderous applause to reveal that Warren High School had been selected as the recipient of the $150,000 grant. This generous grant comes bundled with the expertise of Jostens’ staff, who will collaborate with the school district in the coming months to ensure the funds are utilized effectively for a positive transformation.
Jostens, in its quest for a school seeking an identity revamp and a complete culture refresh, found a fitting partner in the Warren School District. This collaboration offers an opportunity for WSD and the community to collectively redefine the school’s values, culture, identity, and traditions with the guidance of Jostens.
The grant includes the following:
- A refreshed school identity and updated branding.
- Invitations and travel expenses for key representatives to attend the Jostens Renaissance Global Conference (JRGC).
- A thorough consultation with Jostens’ identity and culture experts.
- A school rally where the new identity will be unveiled and celebrated.
The masterminds behind the winning video application were students Esperanza Vera, Braylen Watson, Sarah Forrest, Tanijha Chalk, Jayla Strickland, and Murphie Wilkinson. Payton Reep, the East Facilitator, played a pivotal role in overseeing the completion of the video.
The full-scale project is expected to be completed by the fall of the upcoming academic year, promising a remarkable transformation for Warren High School. The infusion of resources and expertise from Jostens signifies a significant step towards rejuvenating the school’s spirit and fostering a renewed sense of pride within the community.