RECOGNIZING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF OUTSTANDING EDUCATORS

"Working with NSHSS has empowered me to be a creative and compassionate teacher. As an educator, it can feel like I'm always trying to perform an infinite number of miracles with a finite supply of loaves and fishes. The grant I received this year from NSHSS has quickly been converted into a garden for our environmental science elective targeted towards kids with learning disabilities. For this and so much more, I would like to give a heartfelt thanks to the people and organizations that made this possible. Let's keep the miracles flowing!"

"I am truly honored to be awarded the NSHSS Claes Nobel Educator of the Year Award. This recognition represents more than a personal achievement; it affirms the importance of student wellness, social-emotional learning, and the role educators play in creating spaces where students feel seen, supported, and empowered. This opportunity would allow me to continue expanding meaningful counseling and wellness initiatives, including mindfulness-based supports that complement students’ academic journeys. In a rigorous early college environment, students need more than academic preparation; they need tools to manage stress, build resilience, and strengthen emotional intelligence. Every initiative is rooted in the belief that when students are supported emotionally and mentally, they are better prepared to thrive academically, personally, and beyond the classroom. The NSHSS Claes Nobel Educator of the Year Award would support continued professional training, including participation in professional development conferences, and provide additional tools to help me remain an effective, innovative, and responsive school counselor. This opportunity would allow me to further contribute to the field through student-centered programming, evidence-based practices, and continued advocacy for mental health in schools. Thank you for recognizing the work of educators who believe that student success begins with connection, wellness, and hope."

"Being in the education field, while rewarding, is also very challenging. I love working with children and families and this grant affords me the opportunity to excel in the field and tackle some of the most challenging situations. I am so grateful to receive this! Thank you so much to NSHSS for awarding me this grant! This is amazing!"

"The process working with NSHSS to complete this grant has been seamless. I am so grateful for the opportunity to apply for this grant and be awarded it. It will help my students to achieve great things centered around job skills."

"I am deeply honored and grateful to have been selected for the $1,000 STEAM Educator Grant. This award greatly boosts my efforts to foster a love for science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics among my students. Your recognition and support affirm the importance of our work in education and inspire me to continue pushing boundaries in STEAM 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."

"I was so excited when I opened the email and saw the word “Congratulations!” Receiving the 2026 NSHSS Career & Technical Education (CTE) Grant is a very special accomplishment for me. This is the first grant I have ever applied for and received, which makes this opportunity especially meaningful. I am honored to be part of the inaugural group of recipients for NSHSS’s CTE Grant. Thank you, NSHSS, for believing in my vision and investing in educators and students. This grant will allow me to provide my students with meaningful, hands-on experiences that connect classroom learning to real-world careers, entrepreneurship, leadership, and business. I am grateful to be an NSHSS educator and appreciate that NSHSS reached out to me and invited me to become part of such an amazing organization. The opportunity to present a workshop during the 2026 NSHSS Scholar’s Day was another rewarding experience that allowed me to share my knowledge and connect with students and fellow educators. One of the highlights of my NSHSS experience has been meeting the amazing staff. Everyone I have met has been welcoming, accommodating, helpful, and supportive. Their kindness and genuine commitment to educators and students have made my experience with NSHSS even more meaningful. To my fellow educators, I encourage you to join NSHSS and apply for the educator grants. Do not be afraid to take that first step. This experience has shown me that putting yourself and your ideas forward can open doors and create new opportunities for your students. Thank you, NSHSS, for this incredible opportunity. I am excited to put this grant to work and create opportunities for my students to learn, lead, create, and succeed. When we invest in educators, we invest in students—and when we invest in students, we invest in the future."

"Receiving the NSHSS grant is truly appreciated and meaningful. This support allows us to better serve our students by expanding access to leadership, academic, and career-readiness opportunities. I am grateful to NSHSS for investing in educators and students and for recognizing the impact of this work on the next generation."

"This is the first time I have applied for a grant through NSHSS and I have to share my appreciation for their willingness to help me to help my students and players. The application process was fairly easy, and I am so grateful for the NSHSS."

"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!"