Following this prestigious ceremony, I also enjoyed attending a private luncheon the next day with the Carters at the home of the U.S. Ambassador to Norway, John Doyle Ong.  This event was especially memorable for me because the ambassador’s residence is located in the former home of my grandfather.  He built the mansion in 1911 after leaving Russia, where he had been the Norwegian Consul General at St. Petersburg and the CEO of Nobel Brothers Industries. My grandmother sold the home to the U.S. government in 1924, when it became the official U.S. ambassador residence in Oslo. 

It was particularly moving to me to be present for this ceremony honoring President Carter, whose dedication to making the world a better place aptly embodies the spirit of the Nobel family legacy for world betterment.  This is a spirit to which we all aspire. Many of you, our NSHSS members, have been active in Habit for Humanity efforts in your communities, a volunteer effort which Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter have worked tirelessly to help flourish.   One of the most important goals of NSHSS is to encourage and connect students with such community service opportunities.  And the start of a new year is the perfect time to renew your commitment to volunteerism and humanity.

President Carter’s words from his acceptance speech ring true:  “We have not assumed that super strength guarantees super wisdom, and we have consistently reached out to the international community to ensure that our own power and influence are tempered by the best common judgment.”  I hope to impress on today’s youth that this blend of strength and wisdom applies equally to learning.  It is an absolute necessity for our survival that the older generations endow you not only with knowledge, but with the wisdom to make your education a powerful force for good.

I look forward to hearing of your progress, achievements, and experiences as you move into the next exciting chapter of your life.
 

Regards to All,

Claes Nobel

Honorary Chairman
The National Society of High School Scholars

U.S. Ambassador's official
residence in Norway,
built by Claes Nobel's grandfather.