Central Regional High School and Central Regional Middle School, have been named Gold Level Jostens Renaissance Schools of Distinction for 2025. The honor represents each school’s dedication to building a positive school climate and culture for students.
The Jostens Renaissance School of Distinction designation was created to celebrate those schools that are making a positive impact on their school climate and culture through executing the Jostens Renaissance formula: Respect + Recognize + Reward + Reinforce + Relationships = Results.
Central Regional School District Superintendent Dr. Michelle CarneyRay-Yoder has made improving the culture and climate of the school district a top priority since joining the district in January 2024. She created a culture and climate within the district where every student is loved, seen and heard. This philosophy translates to the district’s employees, who are collectively referred to as “staffulty,” placing them all on equal footing and as part of the same team driving the positive culture in the district.
“Our staffulty at both schools has built an outstanding culture and climate where students feel like they belong, are supported and encouraged, and can thrive academically and socially,” Dr. CarneyRay-Yoder said. “This achievement is a tribute to the hard work and dedication of our staffulty but the real winners are the students.”
The School of Distinction award designation was achieved by 140 schools across North America and demonstrates the highest level of accomplishment. To reach this level, schools implemented strategies in eight or more separate areas and described and documented their successes through a rigorous application process. Silver is the lowest level, with the fewest requirements, then Gold, and then Platinum, which is the ultimate level of recognition a school can receive from Jostens Renaissance. More information is available at www.jostensrenaissance.com/2025-schools-of-distinction/.
"Jostens is honored to recognize our Renaissance Schools of Distinction," said Sara Sausker, Director of Jostens Renaissance Education. “The passion and dedication of the educators and student leaders at these schools are a driving force in building a culture of achievement, pride, and belonging. Each of these schools have demonstrated measurable results in the areas of their own focus, often educator morale or academic achievement. At the same time, they create a culture where every student belongs, not just attends. These schools truly create exceptional environments for both staff and students.”
Central Regional High School and Middle School were recognized at the 2025 Jostens Renaissance Global Conference in Chula Vista, Calif. in July. Last December, the Central Regional School District was recognized as a 2025 District of Distinction at the District Administration’s National Awards Program. The award, in the Safety & Wellness Category, was presented to the district for its health and wellness initiative focusing on mental health, safety and resilience in response to a community tragedy. Central Regional was the only winning district in New Jersey.
About Jostens Renaissance
For over 30 years, Jostens has partnered with educators to renew school climate and culture through the Jostens Renaissance program and philosophy. Thousands of schools across North America are proud to call themselves “Jostens Renaissance” schools, sharing a sense of pride that is reflected in the results seen in improved academic performance, behavior, student engagement, and overall school spirit. Jostens Renaissance is dedicated to providing conferences, workshops and resources to schools in order to build character in students and culture on campus. More information about Jostens Renaissance is available at www.jostensrenaissance.com.
About Jostens
Jostens is a trusted partner in the academic and achievement channels, providing products, programs and services that help its customers celebrate moments that matter. The company's products include yearbooks, publications, jewelry and consumer goods that serve the K-12 educational, college and professional sports segments. Founded in 1897 and based in Minneapolis, Minn., found online at www.jostens.com.