RECOGNIZING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF OUTSTANDING EDUCATORS

"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!"

"Receiving the NSHSS Club Grant is both an honor and a powerful affirmation of the work we are doing at Majengo High School. As a teacher and counselor, I have witnessed firsthand the challenges students face academic pressure, emotional struggles, and social barriers. Through the Peer Support & Counseling Club, we strive to create a safe space where students feel heard, valued, and empowered to support one another. This grant is more than financial support, it is an investment in young people who are learning to lead with empathy, resilience and compassion. It will enable us to strengthen peer mentorship, expand mental health awareness and actively address bullying within our school community. To fellow educators, I encourage you to believe in the power of student-led initiatives. Even with limited resources, small efforts can create meaningful change. And to students, remember that your voice matters you have the ability to uplift others and shape a more inclusive and supportive environment. I am deeply grateful to NSHSS for recognizing our work and for supporting educators and students who are committed to making a difference. This opportunity motivates us to continue building a generation of confident, caring and socially responsible young leaders."

"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."

"Dear NSHSS, I want to thank you for providing this grant to help my students in the BSU and ASU so they may continue their work in cultivating a sense of belonging for students of all identities at our school. It warms my heart to know that NSHSS truly sees the value in investing in our youth. Please keep making dreams come true and never cease pouring into our greatest natural resource, our youth!"

"Our Art Club is incredibly grateful to have been selected as a recipient of the NSHSS Club Cash Grant. This grant has been instrumental in allowing us to kick off our year with an exciting and ambitious creative project. To start, we are working on a collaborative short film, where our students will have the opportunity to experience every aspect of the filmmaking process, from writing the script to producing, acting, filming, editing, and even composing the soundtrack. This project allows our members to dive into the world of visual storytelling and explore their creativity in ways that build confidence and hone new skills. Following the short film, our students will channel their artistic talents into creating either a graphic novel or a short story, giving them the freedom to express their individual artistic voice while collaborating with their peers. Throughout the remainder of the year, students will continue to explore various fine art mediums, expanding their understanding and appreciation of different techniques and styles. Thanks to the NSHSS Club Cash Grant, we have the resources to offer a dynamic and enriching program that fosters both artistic growth and community collaboration. Thank you, NSHSS, for empowering our students to engage in these unique opportunities and to deepen their passion for the arts!"

"There will always be a new idea that teachers have that can make the classroom a more meaningful and exciting place for students. There is not always district funding. NSHSS has provided my classroom with funds more than once over the course of my entire teaching career. Whether it's an expanded film library or more production equipment, my students have had more opportunities to do college level work and feel like professionals because of NSHSS grants. Thank you, NSHSS! Please keep supporting teachers! Teachers, if you have an exciting idea and need support—apply!"

"I am truly thankful for this wonderful blessing that was bestowed upon me and my cross-country team for this monetary gift in the form of a grant. NSHSS has been a truly awesome program to be a part of that I try to share with my students as a teacher, advisor, and coach. The opportunities that are available are truly top-notch. Thank you."

'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."

"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!"