About Renaissance Club
Moderator: Mrs. Kate Aceves
Email: [email protected]
Head Commissioner: Kamila Garcia
The Renaissance Club at Mater Dei High School is dedicated to embodying the core principles of Honor, Glory, and Love. Our mission is to create a transformative space where students can explore the depths of knowledge, ignite the flames of creativity, and radiate the power of compassion.
Honor: Guided by the spirit of honor, we aspire to uphold the highest standards of integrity, respect, and ethical conduct. We believe in recognizing the worth and dignity of every individual, fostering an environment where each member is valued for their unique contributions and perspectives.
Glory: Just as the Renaissance celebrated human achievements and illuminated the brilliance of artistic and intellectual endeavors, our mission is to inspire our members to pursue glory in their own endeavors. Through intellectual exploration, creative expression, and unwavering determination, we aim to kindle the flames of passion that lead to accomplishments that resonate with excellence. We provide a platform to showcase talents, share successes, and applaud the growth of each individual.
Love: At the heart of the Renaissance Club's mission lies love – a force that transcends boundaries and unites humanity. We believe in cultivating an atmosphere of camaraderie, empathy, and understanding, where love for learning, artistic expression, and fellow members flourishes. By embracing love as a guiding principle, we strive to make a positive impact not only within our club but also in our larger community.
We recognize our responsibility to give back to our community. Through service projects and collaborations with local organizations, we aim to make a positive impact and exemplify the spirit of generosity. We support other service projects around campus as well as sponsoring our own.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why should I join Renaissance Club?
Renaissance Club is a nationally recognized Honor Club. You can add this to your college applications, and colleges will recognize this as academic achievement. You can also receive a cord for graduation as well as other commendations (see below).
I am a freshman. Can I sign up for this club?
Freshmen students are encouraged to sign up and participate. They are not eligible 1st semester for recognition because you do not have Mater Dei transcripts yet. If you do not receive an F in any class during 1st semester, you can begin earning your rewards 2nd semester.
What else do I need when I sign up?
There is a google application and $7 membership dues. Students are also required to participate in one outreach activities per year to remain active.
How do I earn a cord for graduation?
Students can earn a cord to wear during graduation by signing up for Renaissance Club. Current Seniors must be a member of Renaissance Club for at least 2 semesters, including 2nd semester of Senior Year, and must participate in at least one designated outreach activity. Beginning with the class of 2025, seniors must be a member of the Renaissance Club for at least 2 years, including 2nd semester of Senior Year.
What other recognition awards can I earn?
The Renaissance Club uses a “Level” system – requirements reset each school year
o Level 1 – 1 day of “Spirit Dress”
- Once per semester
- Attend at least 1 meeting and participate in at least 1 service project per semester
o Level 2 – Renaissance T-Shirt (may be worn on Spirit Days)
- Distributed once per semester – students will only get one per year but those who are not as active 1st semester can still earn one 2nd semester.
- Attend at least 2 meetings and participate in at least 1 service project
o Level 3 – Catered Lunch / Food Truck (In and Out, Chick Fil-A, Habbit, etc.)
- Once per semester
- Increase your grade point average (gpa) by half a point (.5)
- Freshmen are not eligible for 1st semester award. They can increase from sem 1 final grade to sem 2 progress report for 2nd semester award.
o Level 4 – Award Ceremony
- 2nd semester (spring) Increase your grade point average (gpa) Top 10 in each grade level for increase
- Must have less than 3 detentions for the year
- Must be a member for both semesters that year
What topics are discussed at the club meetings and when are they?
The Renaissance Club meets at various times throughout the year to accommodate busy students. Meetings will take place on some late start Wednesdays before school, during upper and lower lunches, and sometimes after school. The schedule will be posted outside room 420. Meeting topics will include:
o What to do for college prep at each grade level
o Paper.co tutorial for subjects other than English
o How to form study groups
o Library resources
o Plagiarism / How to use AI correctly
o How to do internet searches (tips and tricks)