NSHSS parents and students honored at The Carter Center
Nearly 500 NSHSS members, families, and teachers gathered for the annual scholar recognition program and college fair at The Carter Presidential Center in Atlanta, Georgia, on Saturday, December 6, 2008. The day was once again declared as NSHSS Day in the state of Georgia by Governor Sonny Perdue. The inspiring program honored the scholars and distinguished educators, followed by a college panel and fair with 16 participating universities. Holiday music was provided by “AHANA,” a highly acclaimed a capella group from Emory University, who truly mesmerized the audience. Environmentalist Ludwig Nobel introduced his father NSHSS Chair Claes Nobel, who delivered the keynote address, urging students to accept the challenge of becoming tomorrow’s leaders. He encouraged members and parent alike to pursue peace and to be good stewards of the earth.
After opening greetings from President James Lewis, Loula Davenport of Senator Johnny Isakson’s office welcomed the scholars and introduced a congratulatory video message from the Senator to NSHSS members.
Student Council Member Gary Crosby, senior at Birmingham-Southern College, moved the audience by sharing his experiences of overcoming challenges to become a successful student leader and State Coordinator of Alabama Students for Barack Obama. Then Student Council member Carlos Bartoni, Harvard sophomore, provided suggestions on how students can embrace the theme of the event, to “Learn, Lead . . . Change the World.” Claes Nobel personally presented scholarships to Carlos, as well as Monroe, Georgia, high school senior Chelsea Hester, and Georgia Tech freshman Juan Quintero.
NSHSS member Kellie Motter and Yun Mi Yi announce student raffle winners
NSHSS corporate partners announced scholarships and support including Todd Corley, Senior VP of Diversity & Inclusion, Abercrombie & Fitch, which increased its financial commitment to NSHSS scholars, and Lewis Karabatsos, Vice President of Corporate Philanthropy for Monster Worldwide, Inc. who announced new scholarship for targeted Monster communities that will be awarded by the NSHSS Foundation. Maribel Aber, Vice President, NASDAQ, expressed her admiration for NSHSS students and Mr. Nobel's leadership.
Mr. Nobel introduced and recognized six Claes Nobel Educators of Distinction, who were nominated for this honor by NSHSS members. Honoree Donna Morrison, Douglas County English teacher and former Alexander High School Teacher of the Year, said, “I am sincerely honored to be recognized a Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction . . . I'd like to thank all the members of NSHSS for their dedication and diligence, the qualities that make teaching both enjoyable and rewarding.”
Following the recognition program, the collegiate panel was moderated by Nancy Beane, College Counselor of the Westminster Schools in Atlanta and member of the NACAC Board of Directors. The panel discussed various elements of the college application process: timelines, common applications, early action and early decision, interviews, college visits, college selection, and much more. One recurring comment from panelists was that students should listen to and follow their parents’ parameters and advice about the college process, but they are urged to “own the process”—to take charge and ownership, and be assertive in their college search and application process.
After the program, members had the opportunity to meet with college representatives to ask questions and network with them in a college fair setting. The college representatives were struck with the caliber and diversity of the NSHSS members who visited their booths.
“The Carter Presidential Center event creates a great, open environment in sharing and exchanging practical information for students, parents, and universities,” says Magnus Christon, Stanford University alumnus and Atlanta alumni chair representative. “It’s always an enjoyable time.”
Universities participating in the panel discussion included Cornell University, Emory University, Georgia Institute of Technology, the University of Georgia, Illinois Institute of Technology, Linkoping University (Sweden), University of Nevada at Reno, Princeton University, Purdue University, Stanford University, and Yale University. Additionally, schools joining these universities in the college fair included Boston University, Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University, George Mason University, Rensselaer Polytechnic University, and Washington University in St. Louis.
NSHSS looks forward to holding the annual holiday program at The Carter Center in Atlanta, on
December 5, 2009, and we wish everyone happy holidays and a great new year.