NSHSS members, families, educators, and organizational partners from across the country and abroad gathered on August 3 at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., to celebrate and recognize excellence during celebrating the 10th anniversary of the Society. Mr. Nobel presented scholarships, recognized honored educators, and met with students and parents following the program for photographs. Over 1200 student members and their families began this memorable day by attending a special workshop sponsored by NSHSS partner the CIA. Following the recognition program, members visited the NSHSS College Fair featuring representatives from top universities who also attended the afternoon Scholar's Day program in order to help celebrate and meet our students.
Scholarship recipients in attendance included Alexis Carter, Yadhu Dhital, Nathan Lovestrand, Ushnish Majumdar, Katherine Mitchell, Camila Moscoso, Stevie Peacock, Gabrielle Robinson, Yasaman Setayeshpour, Natasha Sheybani, and Jay Wong.
Among the featured speakers at the event were NSHSS Advisory Board Member Dr. Bernice King, youngest child of Martin Luther King, Jr., and Coretta Scott King, who also signed books for members following the program. Other notable speakers included Carmen Middleton, of the CIA; Mary Dean Conners, of the Bureau of Educational and Cultural Affairs, Department of State; Alveta Addison of Howard University, and Eric Seldon, Vice President of Aflac. The scholars also heard from partners Fairleigh Dickinson University and Abercrombie & Fitch, which sponsored a gift card raffle for students in attendance. During the program, local Educators of Distinction, nominated by students, were recognized as well. Mr. Nobel also presented the first NSHSS Leadership Legacy Award to Rear Admiral Matthew Klunder, Chief of Naval Research, for creating an environment that supports STEM education and diversity to helps young scholars on their path to success.
A congratulatory address was delivered to the scholars by Claes Nobel. “These students have already reached great heights by consistently demonstrating academic strength and community leadership, and we are proud to show our pride and support with our current round of scholarship awards,” said Mr. Nobel. “What they are doing in their schools and in their hometowns are truly admirable, and each of them highlights the hope and the confidence we all should have in our young people.”
Prior to the program, NSHSS held a members-only college fair. Participating universities and partners included Agnes Scott College; Boston University; the Department of State; Central Intelligence Agency; Envision EMI: Georgetown College; Howard University; K-12 International Academy, King's College London, Louisiana State University, Rice University, Rutgers University, The Princeton Review, University of Alabama, University of the District of Columbia, University of Massachusetts Lowell, University of Melbourne, the University of Queensland, University of Toronto, Virginia State University.
NSHSS would like to congratulate all of those who participated in this celebratory event. Mr. Nobel is confident that the group of students he met in Washington, D.C., will become our next generation of leaders who will make wise decisions to promote understanding throughout the world.
What members are saying about Scholar's Day:
The experience was amazing and it gave me great insight on how to proceed with my academic goals in the future. It showed me that if those who had done it before me could do it then so could I! -Mursal Omarkheil, Edison, NJ
The NSHSS Scholar's day opened my eyes to understand how the society can help me earn scholarship money to be successful in my future. – Sahana Rao, Centreville, VA
NSHSS is a great organization used to encourage students academically worldwide and I am glad I have the honor of being a member. – Rachel Armar, Chantilly, VA
The Scholar's Day Event, was a great way to introduce new members. It was a pleasure to hear about all of the great things NSHSS does for its members. Simply put, it was awesome! – Mahalia Sampson, Boyds, MD