What our scholarship recipients are saying

It has been an honor and a privilege to be a part of the National Society of High School Scholars. This past summer, I attended NSHSS's annual Scholar's Day, and it was an experience that I will never forget. NSHSS gave me the opportunity to meet some truly inspiring people, who have changed the world on a global scale, as well the opportunity to be humbled by dozens of students with incredible determination, work ethic, and heart. In my opinion, the National Society of High School Scholars is the perfect place for students to come together, and work toward creating a more intellectual, passionate, and determined generation. I cannot give enough thanks to all of the dedicated people working at NSHSS for providing this incredible opportunity to students internationally.
Sarah Cronk, NSHSS Robert Sheppard Leadership Award Winner
Do Something Awards Grand Prize Winner
Bettendorf, IA, Pleasant Valley High School
Whitman College 2015
Member since 2010

The NSHSS scholarship has allowed me to attend Harvard and pursue my passions without the financial stress I faced before.. Students always ask me what I did that stood out to win the scholarship. I don't think it was what I did as much as the passion, energy, and curiosity with which I pursued my passions. All I did was be myself in the best way I knew how. Beyond the scholarship, NSHSS continues to provide me with a community and unending support for my academic, athletic, and personal endeavors. 
Kristen Faulkner, National Scholar Award
Homer, AK, Phillips Academy
Harvard University 2015
Member since 2010

I would like to thank NSHSS for awarding me the Envision EMI college scholarship.  Your kindness and generosity is greatly appreciated.  I will be attending UPENN and this scholarship will help defray some of the costs. Again, thank you helping me get one step closer to obtaining my college degree.
Jayla Hood, Envision Scholar
Brookwood High School, Lilburn, GA
University of Pennsylvania 2015
Member since 2008

With sincere appreciation to The National Society of High School Scholars for supporting me and other young students along our academic journey.  I am appreciative of the scholarship I received as well as the resources and networking opportunities.  Gracias.
Gabriella Herrera, Abercrombie & Fitch Scholar
Tracy, CA, Merrill West High School
Harvard University 2015
Member since 2009


As I sit in my newly decorated dorm room I am filled with feelings of gratitude for the support that NSHSS has provided to me throughout high school. I would not be where I am sitting today without the help of the amazing organization. I would like to take this time to thank NSHSS for the scholarship
Aspen Riser, Abercrombie & Fitch Scholar
Cedar Hill, TX, Cedar Hill High School
University of Texas at Austin 2015
Member since 2009

Being a recipient of an NSHSS academic scholarship has meant the world to me. In addition to receiving the opportunity to pursue my academic interests at the University of Michigan, I am proud to have been recognized for my hard work and dedication. As the 2011 valedictorian of Black River Public School, the number one school in Michigan ranked by the Washington Post, I am honored to have represented the high school that has helped me to achieve all my accomplishments.
Sarah Knutson, National Scholar Award
Holland, MI, Black River Public School
University of Michigan 2015
Member since 2009

Thank you to the NSHSS for the scholarship! I think it is important that the society is honoring academics, extracurriculars, service, and leadership. I am grateful for the support the Society has given me and other members.
Lindsay Tyler, National Scholar Award
Darien, CT, Darien High School
Dartmouth College Class of 2015
Member since 2010

Through your organization's generosity, you have given me much-appreciated recognition and allowed me to sleep that much more soundly when it comes to paying for college. It means a lot for you to think of me, especially in these difficult economic times, and I admire NSHSS's commitment to assisting young people even as it assuredly becomes more difficult to do so. Thank you for your continued support, and I hope you continue to assist college-bound scholars with the same generosity and enthusiasm that you have given for me.
Stephen McGarvey, National Scholar Award
Texas City, TX, Texas City High School
University of Texas at Austin 2015
Member since 2008

Being a member of NSHSS has encouraged me to not only use my talents to better myself but also to better the community.  I am deeply honored and humbled to receive this scholarship.
Katherine Mitchell, National Scholar Award
Dutchtown High School, McDonough, GA
Georgia Institute of Technology 2015
Member since 2009

Thank you so much for selecting me as a recipient of a Claes Nobel Academic Scholarship. I am so honored and humbled to be even considered for a scholarship established by the great philanthropist, scholar, and dedicated environmentalist Claes Nobel. Thanks for helping me achieve my dreams; I will never forget your generosity. May God continue to bless you and your organization!
Michael R. Boone, Claes Nobel Academic Scholarship
Kaiserslautern American High School, APO
University of Virginia 2013
Member since 2007

I am very excited to learn that I have received an NSHSS Scholarship! The NSHSS scholarship made it possible for me to take a very challenging course of study at Yale. This will enable me to focus on my studies and ongoing musical training. I am very grateful to NSHSS for their generosity and support of students like myself.
Nicholas Bleisch, National Scholar Award
Princeton, NJ, Home schooled
Yale University 2013
Member since 2008

I feel extremely honored and grateful to have been chosen as a recipient of the 2009 Claes Nobel Academic Scholarship! I am thankful to the National Society of High School Scholars for establishing this scholarship which will help me pursue my academic goals at Harvard University.
Lena Ye, Claes Nobel Academic Scholarship
Coralville, IA, West High School
Harvard University 2013
Member since 2007

I would like to take a moment to thank you for your offer of scholarship. Of course, in these difficult times, a college student is grateful for financial assistance. I am truly honored.
Erika Vivyan, Abercrombie & Fitch Scholar
Farmington Hills, MI, Farmington Harrison High School
Michigan State University 2013
Member since 2008

Thank you so much for the National Society of High School Scholarship in honor of Astronaut Pete Conrad. Wow, to be named a Conrad Scholar, I am really appreciative and motivated, especially since I dream of becoming an astronaut! In the fall I will be attending Florida Atlantic University majoring in Ocean Engineering and have been nominated for the College of Engineering and Computer Science's Innovation Leadership Honors Program. The scholarship in honor of Astronaut Conrad was really touching as he was the first man to dance on the moon, and I have always written in my biography in my ballet company programs that I want to be the first person to dance in space!
Christina Zarrilli, NSHSS Conrad Scholar
Boca Raton, FL, FAU High School
Florida Atlantic University 2013
Member since 2007

As I venture into my second semester of college, I remember that I am helped each step of the way. Although I am only in the beginnings, I have never been happier--I love my school dearly and have been academically stimulated like never before. All of this has been possible with the assistance of your scholarship. Thank you.
Jenny Ngo, National Scholar Award
Biloxi, MS, Gulfport High School
Duke University 2012
Member since 2007

As the Robert Sheppard Leadership Award scholarship winner for 2009-2010, I want to say thank you to the National Society of High School Scholars. I am honored to have been selected as a scholarship recipient and will do my best to continue representing NSHSS and the goals and values of Robert Sheppard for volunteerism and leadership throughout my life. I am pleased to say that as a college student I am organizing an Operation Smile Student Association on campus with my volunteer efforts. Again, thank you for the opportunities that have helped shape my lifestyle of service and leadership.
Claire A. Crawford, Robert Sheppard Leadership Award
Starkville, MS, Starkville High School
Millsaps College 2013
Member since 2008

I want to express how much I appreciate the honor of receiving this scholarship. It means a lot to me that NSHSS cares enough about youth like myself to offer these generous awards. A significant part of my high school experience has revolved around community service. This accolade will allow me to use $1,000 worth of hours that I would have had to work to meet my needs, rather than volunteering and helping others meet their needs. I plan to stay active in community service in my college town. Thank you so much for the time, effort, and financial commitment that have gone into this competition.
Luke Anderson, National Scholar Award
The Woodlands, TX, The Woodlands High School
Washington & Lee University 2012
Member since 2009

From our very first Claes Nobel Academic Scholarship Recipients:

The Claes Nobel Scholarship has meant a great deal to me. I was greatly honored to receive the phone call from Mr. Nobel. The words of wisdom he shared will stay with me forever, and I hope always to live up to the ideals that his family represents. I will alwaystry to be a representative of the ideals this society stands for, striving to maintain excellence, leadership, and outreach to others.
Laurel Angelica, Claes Nobel Academic Scholarship
La Canada, CA, Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy
Princeton University 2007
Member since 2002

I would like to thank the NSHSS for their thoughtfulness and effort in honoring me at the Intrepid Sea Museum. It was a great privilege to be in the company of such great men and women, such as Mr. Claes Nobel. The NSHSS is an invaluable society that does much to promote academic achievement and excellence, as well as good citizenship, and I am extremely grateful for their support and encouragement as I proceed with my endeavors. I hope that I may one day inspire young people of America to achieve their aspirations as the NSHSS has inspired me to do so.
Nigar Shaikh, Claes Nobel Academic Scholarship
Lawrence, NY, Lawrence High School

Stanford University 2007
Member since 2002