RECOGNIZING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF OUTSTANDING EDUCATORS

"I am beyond grateful to NSHSS for awarding me the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion grant. This grant is an incredible support for my Theatre program and will make a meaningful impact in the lives of my students. Thank you NSHSS for your commitment to arts education and for believing in the power of theatre to transform lives. I can't wait to put this grant to work at the Texas Thespian festival and I look forward to sharing the results of your investment with our community."

'Thank you for this opportunity to use the grant funds to continue the pursuit of my EdD in Educational Policy and Organizational Leadership. This degree is deepening my understanding of myself as an educator and how I can directly impact change in the communities I serve."

"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!"

"I am deeply grateful to NSHSS for awarding our math department a $500 grant toward the purchase of replacement calculators. In education, we often ask students to reach their highest potential while quietly working behind the scenes to ensure they have the tools they need to get there — and this grant has made that possible in a very real and meaningful way. NSHSS's commitment to supporting educators speaks volumes about their dedication to academic excellence at every level. To students and educators who may be considering applying for NSHSS opportunities: do not hesitate. This organization invests in people who are passionate about making a difference, and the impact of that investment reaches far beyond any single classroom. Our students are already benefiting, and for that, I am sincerely thankful."

"I am incredibly grateful to NSHSS for this grant and for its continued investment in educators. As both an educational leader and Certified Mental Performance Consultant, I am passionate about helping young people develop the confidence, resilience, and skills they need to thrive in the classroom, in sport, and beyond. This grant provides me with an opportunity to continue growing professionally, bring new knowledge and strategies back to the students and athletes I serve, and expand the impact of this work. Thank you to NSHSS for recognizing the importance of supporting educators as we continue to learn, grow, and create meaningful opportunities for the next generation."

"After teaching for as long as I have, I never thought about applying for grants. I thought the process was way too time consuming and didn't think it would be worth the time. I was VERY wrong. The process was very easy as they explicitly tell you what they were looking for in the application and was worth the time. This was the first time I actually applied for a grant and was very fortunate to be awarded one!!! This could be you!"

"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."

"I am so very grateful to NSHSS. You have been able to recognize my outstanding students and I have received such positive feedback from them and their parents over the years. Also NSHSS has been so terrific helping my students do amazing research projects for Science Fair. Thank you!"

"This grant provides our students with the opportunity to focus on the important things, like engineering and learning, rather than on where the money for their designs will come from. We are very grateful for this opportunity!"