RECOGNIZING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF OUTSTANDING EDUCATORS

"Thank you so much for the grant! I love coaching extracurriculars for students, especially those that are academically-oriented. I feel that students who prefer academics over athletics are often overlooked at the high school level. Budgets and boosters are there for football, basketball, and even marching band. However, there is not always support for academic clubs like creative writing or chess. Further, if a school offers advanced academics like computer science and engineering, they have already invested a lot in the day-to-day operations. But what about extra projects or competitions? I will be using this grant to purchase competition polos for our Academic Decathlon team and blazers and neckties/cross ties for our Mock Trial team. The clothing serves as a team uniform, providing identity and showing the students that they are important representatives of our school and district! Thank you so much for making this possible!"

"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 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."

"The National Society of High School Scholars is an awesome organization which supports the scholarship of high school students with extracurricular activities. Notably, The National Society of High School Scholars also acknowledges the importance of athletic activities in developing talented youth with the Athletic Sponsor Grant. Grants provide tremendous support to programs, including athletic programs, by extending resources available to each student. My experience with NSHSS as an Educator has been rewarding in identifying high school scholars who are student-athletes."

"I would like to thank NSHSS for the generous grant that will enable me to purchase lab materials for my students. This support is invaluable, as it allows me to transform theoretical concepts into hands-on, inquiry investigations. With these new resources, my students will have the opportunity to explore, experiment and engage with STEM in a way that makes learning both dynamic and meaningful. Your contribution will not only enhances their classroom experiences but also empower them to develop essential skills, where they think and act like true scientists. Thank you for investing in their future and for helping me create an environment where curiosity and discovery thrive. I am excited about the significant impact this will have on their educational journey and future endeavors."

"Receiving the NSHSS School Supplies Grant means so much to me, both personally and professionally. As a teacher, I often find myself wanting to do more for my students than my resources allow, so this support truly makes a difference in what I can provide in my classroom each day. My students are curious, hardworking, and full of potential, and this grant allows me to give them more opportunities to explore, question, and connect their learning to the real world—especially in STEM. It also reassures me that the work we do as educators is seen and valued, which is incredibly meaningful. To other educators, I would encourage you to keep pursuing opportunities like this. Even small additions to your classroom can have a big impact on your students. And to students, know that there are people who believe in you and want to invest in your future—keep pushing yourself and stay open to new possibilities. I am truly grateful to NSHSS for this opportunity and for supporting teachers in a way that directly impacts students. This grant will not only provide resources but also inspiration and motivation for my classroom."

"Receiving the NSHSS STEAM Educator Grant is an incredible honor and a meaningful investment in my students. For more than 20 years, our Science Expo has allowed high school students to become teachers, leaders, and role models while inspiring younger students through hands-on science. This grant will help remove financial barriers and provide materials so that more students can participate, create, and share their ideas. I am deeply grateful to NSHSS for supporting educators and believing in the potential of our students. This recognition reminds my students that their ideas, leadership, and hard work matter. Thank you for helping us empower the next generation of scholars to be curious, take risks, serve their communities, and recognize that they have the ability to make a positive impact on the world."

"I have been blown away by the consistent communication and invitations from NSHSS to nominate students, apply for grants and participate in an incredible community of academics, both learners and teachers. The grant writing and acceptance process is not time consuming, making it an accessible way to receive funds and better serve students!"

"Democracies cannot stand without quality education for all. Over the past years, I believe it has been challenging for all educators to endure those who would attack the important, vital work we do on a daily basis. The public is often blind to all that we provide our students and their families. Who feeds and clothes our students when their families cannot? Your public schools. Who provides mental health services and tries to keep our students safe and healthy? Your public schools. Who is trying to provide innovative rigor and opportunity? Your public schools. Without these essential services, our communities would be significantly less safe, and we would all struggle to thrive. Thank you for celebrating all of the educators and students who work tirelessly to better our communities. Thank you for understanding that quality education is the heart and soul of greatness."