RECOGNIZING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF OUTSTANDING EDUCATORS

"On behalf of our new high school Culinary Club, I extend our heartfelt gratitude for the generous grant you have awarded us. This funding will significantly enhance our ability to explore the culinary arts, providing our students with valuable opportunities to develop their skills and creativity. Your support will enable us to acquire essential kitchen equipment, high-quality ingredients, and educational resources that are crucial for our budding chefs. We are deeply appreciative of your commitment to fostering educational enrichment and hands-on learning experiences. Thank you for believing in our vision and helping us bring our culinary dreams to life."

"I am deeply honored to receive the NSHSS School Supplies Grant, which will have a significant impact on the students and educators at my school. This grant provides us with the opportunity to improve access to much-needed educational resources, fostering a more engaging and equitable learning environment for all. I am grateful for the support from NSHSS, and I encourage fellow educators and students to continue striving toward their goals. Through opportunities like this, we can all work together to make a lasting difference in our communities and the world. Thank you, NSHSS, for your belief in the power of education and for helping us create a brighter future."

"I would like to thank NSHSS, DePaul College Prep, and all of my students for inspiring me to become the best teacher, coach, and colleague I can be. I feel so fortunate to be part of a community committed to honoring the inherent dignity of all people."

"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."

"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!"

"I am deeply honored to receive this grant from NSHSS. This support not only validates the importance of our work in promoting mental health and well-being in schools but also empowers us to continue making a positive impact. Working with students, especially in areas like mindfulness, autism acceptance, and social skills development, has been incredibly rewarding. Collaborating with colleagues and providing training for staff and parents are crucial steps in creating an inclusive and supportive educational environment. I hope my journey inspires other educators and students to pursue their passions and strive for excellence. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and the broader community."

"The FHS Journalism & Newsletter Club, Sails & Stories, extends its heartfelt gratitude to the NSHSS Club Cash Grant for their generous support. With this grant, our students now have the exciting opportunity to pursue their passion for writing, giving them a platform to express their voices and share their perspectives. This support has been instrumental in establishing Sails & Stories this year, allowing students to engage meaningfully in journalism and develop their talents. Thank you for empowering our students and making this club possible!"

"A fellow teacher introduced me to NSHSS. She was awarded a $1000 grant from the organization and spoke with great admiration about her experience. Last school year I applied for a grant but was not successful. After reading about other candidates experience with NSHSS, I was encouraged to apply again this school year. I was excited to receive the email of me being a successful recipient of the grant. I am grateful of the honor. I will share my experience with other teachers and encourage them to also join the organization."

"I am so thankful to have been awarded the NSHSS Dual Enrollment Educator Grant. This grant will help pay for my teacher licensing program so that I can continue doing the work that I love."