[media-credit name=”Nick Erickson” align=”alignright” width=”218″][/media-credit]During the many years spanning the European Renaissance, many Individuals sought to expand their knowledge, to reconstruct their way of thinking and, in so created some of the most admired artisic works of all time.

This kind of cultural revolution and scientific advancement appears every year. The first day of school on campus may not seem like an influential moment in history, but expectations, classes, grades, teachers, peers, friends and priorities are subject to change.

For students, the previous year is old news; the opportunity for reconstruction reveals itself, but many high schoolers continue to waste or even dismiss the chance to start afresh. Instead, of taking up a new challenge, some quit when difficulties arise.

What differs from the prominent figures of the Renaissance and 21st century students? Attitude alone separates excellence from mediocrity. A positive attitude rises to the occasion. Leonardo da Vinci and Nicolas Copernicus both thrived due to a thirst for knowledge.

The journalism staff lost 14 writers, only four returned. The Academic Decathlon team has three returning decathletes. The tennis team lost four players, including the No. 1 and No. 2 seeds, with two current starters sidelined with injuries. In addition, the volleyball team lost two all-league players.

Last year the journalism class won the Pacemaker Award (top online high school paper in the nation) and most, including the adviser, were not expecting the class to produce like last year. However, the class wrote over 50 articles in September and is poised to create an online paper that is the voice of the high school.

Additionally, the tennis team remains undefeated outside of tournament play; and even in the annual Peach Tree tournament the girls’ earned the same record as last year despite being in a rebuilding year as many girls took summer lessons and have chosen to play year round.

Regardless and technological advancements and increased opportunities, students must take advantage of benefits and set high standards/goals if they hope to exceed their potential.