RECOGNIZING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF OUTSTANDING EDUCATORS

"I have been blown away by the consistent communication and invitations from NSHSS to nominate students, apply for grants and participate in an incredible community of academics, both learners and teachers. The grant writing and acceptance process is not time consuming, making it an accessible way to receive funds and better serve students!"

"I have witnessed amazing collaborations and projects across the curriculum in my time here, and none of them would be possible without the use of the resources and materials I offer to students and staff. In these stressful and turbulent times, my Fab Lab is a haven to so many, who want to create amazing projects and express themselves creatively. It is a “no-judgement zone”, and a safe space in which all students feel comfortable being themselves and learning and growing in their own way as they travel down their individual paths in life. I provide solace and a chance for my patrons to search for and find new hobbies, and pursue their goals and dreams. I have helped several students who have started their own businesses make merchandise and promotional items to advertise and gain more clientele. I have provided teachers options to assess student learning by offering them unconventional methods to create and show their understanding and mastery of skills. I open my library to our feeder high schools’ Special Education departments in which students who do not qualify to take higher-level classes here in our Center for Advanced Studies to utilize these wonderful resources. I have worked one-on-one with several of these students to help them create projects with resources they normally would not have access to in their programs. The funds this grant would provide would allow me to buy so much to keep the Fab Lab functioning as a free resource for all who wish to utilize it."

“I want to thank the Scholarship & Grants committee for selecting me for this incredible honor! As a teacher, I went into the profession because I wanted to make a difference in students’ lives and create positive change. Through the application process, this recognition has helped me to reflect on my years as an educator and the impact I am making every day to my students and the community. I am truly humbled by being selected as the 2022 Claes Nobel Educator of the Year from a pool of other educators that are also doing incredible things in their schools. Thank you!”

"I am a music and theater teacher in Fredonia, Kansas. I applied for the NSHSS School Supply Grant to help with the cost of our theater costumes for the musical production of “Beauty and the Beast” that we put on this year. With the grant money I received, we could rent specific costumes for our show, including costumes for the characters Belle, Cogsworth, Lumiere, The Beast, the Wardrobe, and Chip. With the support I received from NSHSS, I could devote more time and money to all aspects of the show, earning our students several nominations for state-wide awards. Thank you for supporting the arts and Fredonia High School!"

"Thank you so much for the grant! I love coaching extracurriculars for students, especially those that are academically-oriented. I feel that students who prefer academics over athletics are often overlooked at the high school level. Budgets and boosters are there for football, basketball, and even marching band. However, there is not always support for academic clubs like creative writing or chess. Further, if a school offers advanced academics like computer science and engineering, they have already invested a lot in the day-to-day operations. But what about extra projects or competitions? I will be using this grant to purchase competition polos for our Academic Decathlon team and blazers and neckties/cross ties for our Mock Trial team. The clothing serves as a team uniform, providing identity and showing the students that they are important representatives of our school and district! Thank you so much for making this possible!"

"I am excited and thankful to NSHSS for selecting me for this grant award. NSHSS grants and awards are truly prestigious, and I look forward each year to not only participate in the writing and competition, but also nominating my students for NSHSS scholarships."

"We are so thankful for your kindness and support. We have a Science Fair coming up in February, and finding sponsors has been a difficult one. Non-traditional students have limited resources in many communities, and we want to equal the playing field. No child should be left behind, meaning public school and non-traditional students. Thank you!"

I would like to thank the National Society of High School Scholars grant committee for selecting me for this award. Everything I do, I do it for my students. There are days I feel like I am not getting it right, but when I get a message from a past student saying how what I taught them they are able to use it on their current job or in their college classes, I know I am in the right place. God has truly given me a gift to inspire the next generation and I will continue to do so until I can't anymore!

"I am deeply honored and grateful to have been selected for the $500 School Supplies Grant. This award greatly boosts my efforts to foster a love for English and Science fields. Your recognition and support affirm the importance of our work in education and inspire me to continue pushing boundaries in learning. The grant will greatly enhance my ability to implement innovative projects and provide valuable resources for my classroom. I am excited to channel this funding into initiatives that will engage and inspire the next generation of innovators. Thank you for believing in my work's impact and investing in the future of education. Your generosity will make a significant difference in my students’ learning experiences. I look forward to sharing the positive outcomes and successes that arise from this grant. Once again, thank you for your support and for making this opportunity possible."