Claes Nobel presents John Zhou of Harvard with National Scholar Award
NSHSS members, families, and educators from 35 states gathered on June 1 in Washington, D.C. to celebrate and recognize member achievements. Many student members and their families began the day with a tour of local schools, including The George Washington University, which organized a special tour for NSHSS students.
During the program in the Senate Dirksen Building, Mr. Nobel addressed the group, presented scholarships, recognized Educators of Distinction, and met with students and parents following the program for photographs.
Arlene Cash, VP of Enrollment at Spelman College
After senatorial greetings from the chiefs of staff of Senators Isakson, Chambliss, and Thomas, Presidential Classroom Executive Director Dr. Elizabeth Sherman greeted the audience. We also heard from Dr. Paul Berkman, Fulbright Scholar and research Professor at the University of California, Santa, Barbara, in attendance with his daughter member Kathryn Berkman. Dr. Berkman encouraged students to following their dreams, telling them never to take “no” for an answer. Arlene Wesley Cash, Vice President for Enrollment Management, from Spelman College in Atlanta talked about about how excited Spelman and other colleges and universities are about connecting with NSHSS members.
Member Suzan Rababe of Williamsport, MD, enjoyis the program
NSHSS Student Council member John Zhou, of Harvard University, offered his congratulations and advice—read his remarks. We were treated to a stunning musical performance of “The Impossible Dream” by NSHSS member James Soller, a Washington D.C. student at School Without Walls High School. Dr. Susan Thurman, Scholarship Director, and Anne Lewis, Student Council member from the College of Charleston, followed with the member recognition honor roll call. The Claes Nobel School of Distinction award was presented to George Wolfe, Director of The Loudoun Academy of Science in Sterling, Virginia. Following the program, families mingled at the reception and met Mr. Nobel personally.
In his keynote speech, Mr. Nobel spoke to the group of his own personal journey to discover his “life’s mission.” And he offered insights on the seven "right” ways to self-fulfillment. You can read Mr. Nobel’s remarks here.
Members stand as their names are read in the honor roll call
NSHSS Chair Claes Nobel with President Jim Lewis, Vice President Maudelle Driskell, and Council Member Anne Lewis
NSHSS would also like to congratulate the scholarship recipients and Educators of Distinction who participated, as well as four hundred NSHSS members who were honored and recited the Society pledge together committing themselves to strive for excellence and to create global change. Mr. Nobel is confident that the group of students he met this month in Washington D.C. will become next generation of leaders who will make wise decisions to promote peace throughout the world.