On June 20, 2014, over 300 scholars, educators and guests gathered on Rice University's campus for the NSHSS Member Event in Houston, TX. Those who arrived in the morning were treated to a short speech about scholarships given by NSHSS Scholarship Director, Dr. Susan Thurman, and participated in a workshop held by the Central Intelligence Agency.

The main program began in the early afternoon. Beth Pann, Vice President of NSHSS, gave the opening remarks before Dr. Roland Smith from Rice University took the stage to welcome the attendees to the campus. There to accept scholarship awards were Solomon Conner II and Mateo Mansilla-Moya, recipients of the Ambassador Scholar Award; Alejandro Dolores and Nathan Monger, recipients of the Tesoro Youth Leadership Award; and Mimi Phan, recipient of the Abercrombie & Fitch Anti-Bullying Scholar Award. Additional remarks were made by representatives from NSHSS Partners- Nicole Shelvin spoke on behalf of Thermo Fisher Scientific, and John Roberts represented the US Department of State.

In addition to taking the NSHSS Member Pledge, scholars and guests took a pledge to lead global environmental change during Mr. Claes Nobel’s “Learn, Lead & Change the World” speech. Among the educators recognized were educators from all over the world, from Texas to Kenya. Guests later attended a college and career fair featuring Rice University, Howard University, the US Department of State, and others during the closing reception before leaving on a campus tour. 

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