RECOGNIZING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF OUTSTANDING EDUCATORS

"The importance of offering AP classes has been well documented-study after study reveals that students who are challenged with college level classes have more persistence, better study habits, and greater financial flexibility if they pass the rigorous exams. An AP course structured with a bedrock in the inquiry arc allows students to experience learning at a collegiate level long before they enroll in an undergraduate institution. However, it is the underlying impact that offering college level classes has on an entire school community, whether enrolled in AP classes or not, that makes advanced placement a necessity for any high school. I have been teaching AP World History for four years to mostly freshman students in the south side of Chicago. Preparing students for a high stakes exam was not the reason I got into teaching. My teaching philosophy is rooted in the importance of inquiry and student choice, which allows students to see themselves in the history of the world. When I first began this journey of teaching AP World it seemed impossible to get the majority of my students to pass the exam for college credit, and at the same time fall in love with history as I had long ago. My passion for learning stems from asking tough questions about the hard truths of world history, and then searching for my own answers with the research skills I learned from my professors or teachers. I also knew that passing an AP exam for many of my students is a game changer in a higher education system where costs have skyrocketed for families. With the grant from NSHSS I will be able to better serve the needs of my students by curating a robust research library and bypass frustrating paywalls of the elite research databases. Thank you NSHSS for providing that rigor for my students!"

"Thank you so much to NSHSS for the Educator Travel Grant! This grant will help provide an opportunity to gain knowledge from agricultural leaders pertaining to the agriculture industry and education that can be brought back to the classroom. This information will help students further their knowledge about agriculture and possibly inspire students to choose a career in the agriculture industry."

"I would like to sincerely thank the National Society of High School Scholars for providing grant support that enabled me to attend a cross‑border conference focused on molecular biology education. In an increasingly polarized global climate, opportunities for educators to collaborate across borders are not only valuable but essential. This experience allowed me to engage with diverse perspectives, deepen my professional practice, and bring innovative, research‑informed approaches back to my students. I am grateful to NSHSS for its commitment to supporting educators and scholars who are working to advance learning, build understanding, and make a meaningful impact in their communities."

"Thank you so much for the generous Club Cash grant for our Model United Nations Club. This funding will significantly enhance our activities and initiatives, allowing us to provide enriching experiences for our students. Your support empowers us to create a vibrant community where students can explore their interests, develop their skills, and engage meaningfully with one another. We are excited to put this grant to use and will keep you updated on our progress and the positive impact it has on our members. Thank you once again for believing in our mission and supporting our students."

"I am deeply grateful for the the NSHSS grant awarded to my class. This funding will make a significant impact, providing my students with enhanced learning opportunities and resources that will foster their growth and engagement. Your support empowers me to create a more dynamic and inspiring learning environment, and for that, I am truly thankful."

"Receiving support from NSHSS is truly meaningful, not just for me, but for the students and educators I serve. This grant helps expand opportunities for students in the Northern Mariana Islands, where access to resources can be limited, and ensures they are better prepared for college, careers, and a rapidly changing world. Many of our students face geographic barriers, and this support helps bridge those gaps. I’m grateful for NSHSS’s commitment to uplifting educators and students who are working to make a difference in their communities. This support reminds us that our work matters and that investing in education has the power to transform lives."

"It is always humbling to receive an award, but also something to be prideful of at the same time, and I am grateful to NSHSS for the efforts it makes to recognize teachers."

"Receiving this grant from NSHSS is both an honor and a meaningful affirmation of my work as an educator and mentor. NSHSS represents a community that values leadership, service, and academic excellence—qualities I strive to instill in my students every day. This support strengthens my ability to create innovative, career-focused learning experiences that empower students to believe in their potential and pursue their goals with confidence. I am deeply grateful to NSHSS for investing not only in my journey, but in the students and future leaders who benefit from opportunities like this. Together, we are shaping a generation of scholars who are prepared to make a positive impact on their communities and the world."

"I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for awarding me the $500 School Cash Club Grant for 2024, Wave 1. I am truly honored to receive this support from such a prestigious organization. I am particularly excited about using these funds to purchase books for my students, enabling me to continue our book club over the summer following the 2024-2025 school year. By encouraging students to keep reading during the break, I aim to foster their love of literature and help prevent any loss of reading skills. Again, Thank you for your generosity and for supporting my efforts to promote literacy and a lifelong love of reading among students."