During the 2024 Jostens Renaissance Global Conference (JRGC), held last July in Orlando, Florida, Washougal High School senior Riley Vaughan was struck by the keynote address, which she said made her realize how important it is to be authentic in her altruistic endeavors.
“He was talking about having a ‘why’ when it comes to being a leader and working in leadership,” Vaughan said of the keynote speaker. “He said that if you’re constantly doing it just for the praise and validation of others, you’re not going to be able to recover when things don’t go your way, so you have to find a ‘why’ that matters more than just yourself. It kind of made me realize that with all the effort that I’ve put into (my leadership) class over the past years, I genuinely care about making my school better and my community better, and seeing my peers grow and myself grow. My ‘why’ is deeper than just succeeding at something.”
Vaughan’s efforts have been recognized by Jostens Renaissance Education, which selected the Washougal High senior as its National Renaissance Student of the Month for January 2025.
“It’s just really cool because I was not expecting (it),” Vaughan said. “It made me really happy. Honestly, it’s nice to know that all the work that I’ve put in these last four years of high school is recognized. I’ve never been one to really look for recognition and validation from others for all the work that I’m doing, and to get a national award, and to know that all of the blood, sweat and tears that I have been putting into my leadership class have paid off, it’s really refreshing.”
Washougal High American Sign Language teacher Tami Grant nominated Vaughan for the award.
“Riley screams gratitude in all she does,” Grant stated in the nomination letter. “When she leads and is complimented on how well an event or project goes, she will quickly add, ‘Thank you, our team put in a lot of work.’ She genuinely seeks to make sure everyone is recognized and knows they are appreciated. She seeks out relationships … (and) often tells me how thankful she is for things like her ASB class, her family, going to JRGC, the people who support her. It’s not just a ‘line’ with her; it’s a way of life. She seeks to find the things in life that make her feel loved and supported, and then she seeks to offer the same to others. She is not just grateful in words, but grateful in action.”