NSHSS Chair Claes Nobel was honored at Graumans Egyptian Theatre in Los Angeles on November 11, 2007, at the 4th annual Artivist Film Festival & Artivist Awards ceremony. He was recognized for his commitment to global leadership in environmental ethics and youth outreach, for "inspirational work towards a better world." He was also recognized for establishing The National Society of High School Scholars based on his belief in the power of youth to change the world. Accompanying Mr. Nobel at the awards ceremony were his wife Margaretha and son Ludvig, NSHSS President James Lewis, and NSHSS Vice President Maudelle Driskell.
NSHSS President James Lewis and Presenter Marla Maples congratulate Claes Nobel at awards ceremony.
Claes Nobel became impassioned about helping the planet after reading Rachel Carson's classical environmental book "Silent Spring," which created in him a mission–working for environmental protection, planetary health, and the betterment of our children's future. He has devoted his life to this mission. Accepting the award, he applauded the Festival for "advancing the work of individuals, corporations, and organizations who are inspire to creating a better, safer and saner world."
The Artivist Film Festival is an international film festival and awards program dedicated to addressing human rights, children's advocacy, environmental preservation, and animal rights. The theme of the festival is "Merging Art & Activism for Global Consciousness." Over the past four years the festival has premiered documentaries that make powerful statements that educate and inspired, such as Morgan Spurlock's "Super Size Me," an Academy Award nominee, and "Born into Brothels," which received the Best Documentary Oscar in 2005. The Festival announced record-breaking attendance of over 4,000 people for this year's event and showcased 60 films representing 25 countries.
Also honored at the awards ceremony were actor Ted Danson, who co-founded the American Oceans Campaign in 1986, now called Oceana, to lobby for environmental issues concerning ocean advocacy; and actress Alyssa Milano, who, though known as a television star most of her life, was inspired while filming in South African in 2000 to become active in bolstering the lives of children in need. She is now a national ambassador for UNICEF, traveling to African and India to help improve education and spread awareness about HIV/AIDS. Dr Gloria Lane, founder of the Women's International Center, (WIC) received a special honor. The WIC offers courses, seminars, workshops, and scholarships for women, and created Women for Africa to assist refugee and immigrant women, children, and youth of all ethnic backgrounds in the San Diego area.