Central Regional Named Schools Of Distinction For Positive District Climate

BAYVILLE, NJ — Central Regional High School and Central Regional Middle School have been named Gold Level Jostens Renaissance Schools of Distinction for 2025, the district announced in a news release.

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.

Upon her arrival in the district in January 2024, Superintendent Michelle CarneyRay-Yoder has made it her top priority to create a welcoming environment for students and employees (which she calls "staffulty") alike. The goal is to make the district a place where everyone is on equal footing and no one person is viewed above the rest.

"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," 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."