RECOGNIZING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF OUTSTANDING EDUCATORS

"I have had several students apply for grants and scholarships through the NSHSS and this year I decided I should apply as well! I am excited to use this grant to create more STEAM opportunities for my students this school year!"

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

"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!"

"A fellow teacher introduced me to NSHSS. She was awarded a $1000 grant from the organization and spoke with great admiration about her experience. Last school year I applied for a grant but was not successful. After reading about other candidates experience with NSHSS, I was encouraged to apply again this school year. I was excited to receive the email of me being a successful recipient of the grant. I am grateful of the honor. I will share my experience with other teachers and encourage them to also join the organization."

"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 deeply grateful for the the NSHSS grant awarded to my class. This funding will make a significant impact, providing my students with enhanced learning opportunities and resources that will foster their growth and engagement. Your support empowers me to create a more dynamic and inspiring learning environment, and for that, I am truly thankful."

"This is the first time I've heard about NSHSS and my first time applying for a grant. At first, I was unsure about it, but I decided to go for it and fill out the application form. I even asked our principal for a recommendation letter. I was so happy and grateful at the same time when I got an email from NSHSS saying my entry was chosen. I didn't expect it, so I'm really happy about it. These funds will be a big help to our club and will make our experience even more meaningful. It's great to know that there are organizations like NSHSS that support student groups like ours."

"I am excited and thankful to NSHSS for selecting me for this grant award. NSHSS grants and awards are truly prestigious, and I look forward each year to not only participate in the writing and competition, but also nominating my students for NSHSS scholarships."

"Receiving this grant from NSHSS is a profound honor. It is incredibly validating to be part of an organization that so clearly values the hard work educators put in every day. This support doesn't just benefit me because it directly impacts my students by providing resources that would otherwise be out of reach. I am grateful to NSHSS for their commitment to excellence in education and for empowering teachers to dream bigger for their classrooms."