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!"

"I am deeply thankful to the NSHSS for awarding me this grant to support the purchase of school supplies for my Family and Consumer Sciences (FACS) classroom. These supplies will play a crucial role in ensuring that every student has the tools they need to actively participate in lessons, regardless of their financial background. With your support, I will be able to provide resources that encourage hands-on learning and practical life skills development. Thank you for helping me create an inclusive and engaging learning environment where all students can thrive."

"Thank you to NSHSS, my students, and fellow educators for this opportunity. Teaching is a unique job opportunity that presents itself differently each and every day. Every moment may not be perfect, but it is the chance to build up students and help them as they reach their full potential."

"Receiving this grant from NSHSS is a great honor that directly supports my mission to bring science to life for my students. After 26 years in the classroom, I am convinced that when we lead with wonder—using phenomena-based storylines to anchor our learning—students don't just learn biology; they become scientists. This support allows me to continue breaking down barriers to engagement and academic success in AP Biology. Curiosity is the spark that ignites change. Thank you, NSHSS, for investing in that spark and empowering the next generation of scholars to explore, question, and impact the world."

"Thank you so much for this generous grant, which affirms the time and heart I invest in striving to make my classes meaningful."

"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."

"It has been amazing to see that the NSHSS supports not just students, but also teachers. These grants allow teachers to explore new areas and try unique ideas that might not have been previously possible."

"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!"

"Thank you to the selection committee and the national scholars organization. It's important to acknowledge the greatest teacher in my life, Jesus Christ, and the privilege of being aligned with the work that God created me to do. Thank you to my parents, siblings, my wonderful educator wife Steyven, and our daughters, who allow me to do this work. I would like to acknowledge my colleagues at ASU Prep Digital for their professionalism and dedication to student success. I would also like to recognize our student body, their families, and our Arizona State University campus partners for creating a culture of academic excellence and innovation. I believe education provides us with the best ability to eradicate institutional poverty and cultivate the next generation of industry leaders. It is a privilege to collaborate with employers, align core academic learning with employment skills, and foster a commitment to relevance in our instructional practices. I humbly accept this award and thank you for the recognition. God bless you."