What is Renaissance?
Renaissance, a proven viable solution to scholastic challenges, is designed to promote and recognize academic achievement. It helps students experience the joy of learning, recognizes educators as dedicated and valued professionals, and increases the involvement of parents and businesses. Its primary objective is to give positive recognition to students for their positive behavior and achievements. 

Renaissance’s Mission Statement 
Founded by educators in 1988, Jostens Renaissance is the first and only North American education-focused program created to recognize and reward the academic achievements of students from elementary school through college. Its primary goals are to increase student performance, teacher enthusiasm, and raise the level of community participation in schools.

Above information is borrowed from:
http://www.jostens.com/renaissance/what/index.asp
http://www.rdpsd.ab.ca/cms/cmsrenmission.htm
http://www.nrscshools.org/nrhs/renaissance/main.htm
http://www.strato.net/~sms/ren.html