Proclamation of NSHSS Day by Oklahoma Governor Brad Henry. Click to see full-size photo.

In the presence of Oklahoma's top business leaders and university professionals, Supreme Court Justice Yvonne Kauger presented Mr. Nobel with Governor Henry's proclamation. Governor Henry recognized Mr. Nobel for being a champion of environment stewardship and youth leadership, commending his vision to build a dynamic international organization of scholars and inspiring them to positively impact the global community

Vice President and Provost Dr. Joseph Ferretti (left) and Dr. Robert Davis-Undiano, Dean of the Honors College at the University of Oklahoma (right) listen as Mr. Nobel motivates NSHSS members.

February 17th was certainly a magnificent National Society of High School Scholar's Day. Over 300 students and parents congregated at the Petroleum Club, held on the 34th floor of the Chase building in Oklahoma City. With a breathtaking view of Oklahoma, families gathered at round tables with hors d'oeuvres and mingled with families from ten states. The program honored our students from across the country, and Mr. Nobel gave a motivational address to encourage students to embrace their mantle as future world changers and peace ambassadors. The program also featured OU Health Sciences Center Vice President and Provost Dr. Joseph Ferretti, a noted scientist; and Dr. Robert Davis-Undiano, Dean of the Honors College at the University of Oklahoma. Dr. Ferretti gave a warm welcome to our students and presented Governor Henry's proclamation to Mr. Nobel. Dean Davis spoke passionately about the Honors Program at The University of Oklahoma, highlighting the family atmosphere, unique resources, and incredible research opportunities his honor students enjoy during their four years on campus.

Environmental Science and Yearbook Teacher Beverly Osborne receives her Educator of Distinction Award from Mr. Nobel.

Following Mr. Nobel's address, student council member Marie Harding spoke of her experiences traveling to Australia with Mr. Nobel last summer, and encouraged the students to consider the Australian Adventure themselves for this summer. Marie also led the students in their official NSHSS Induction Pledge.

Mr. Nobel also honored The Oklahoma School for Science and Mathematics with a Claes Nobel School of Distinction Award, and local teacher Beverly Osborne with a Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction Award. When asked to say a few words, Mrs. Osborne replied, "I recently watched the Grammy awards and couldn't help but wonder how the stars feels then they receive such an honor. If you will humor me, I must tell you that standing here before you today, this award is my Grammy."

NSHSS Member Kyle Davis with Mr. Nobel.

The afternoon concluded with an opportunity for students to take photos with Mr. Nobel, meet and ask questions of Dr. Ferretti and Dean Davis, and gather information about the Australian Adventure.

Preceding the Member Event, NSHSS members began their special day with a career fair held at The University of Oklahoma Health Sciences Center in The College of Nursing. The Oklahoma Chamber of Commerce and 20 local companies exhibited to share their internship opportunities and professional careers with students. Industries ranged from health care, social work, college admissions, financial services and more. Whether students were speaking one-on-one with a professional, taking a tour of the Health Sciences Center, or networking with their peers, our members gained great information to propel them towards their future careers.