Conference Grants

Braulio Alonso High School

"The NSHSS conference grant allowed me to attend the 2024 Florida Foreign Language Conference. I stayed two nights in the conference hotel and registered for the conference using the funds. Additionally, I completed my TOY interview with board members and was chosen as their Teacher of the Year! I will continue on to the regional competition in March at SCOLT. I also attended several amazing seminars about how to have students interact productively with AI tools to learn more and some of the best approaches to foreign language teaching. I was also able to attend the Florida Association of Teachers of German meeting at the conference and discussed our spring event with members. In the spring, 50-100 students will attend an event at my high school and the networking opportunity of this conference got the word out early."

New Hope Academy 

School Supplies Grant

The most significant advantage of this grant is the financial support it provides, enabling the acquisition of high-quality art supplies and materials. In many educational settings, budgets are limited, and art programs often face cuts or restrictions. This grant would allow for purchasing a diverse range of materials, including high-quality cricut, specialized pottery materials, and a variety of drawing papers and quality canvas. Access to superior materials fosters creativity and experimentation among students, ultimately enhancing their artistic skills. Exploring different mediums is crucial in developing well-rounded artists, allowing them to discover their unique styles and preferences. This grant will enable us to provide more diverse and enriching artistic experiences for our students as well as our teachers and allow staff and students to explore their creativity each year.

School Supplies Grant

Sarasota Military Academy

I am so fortunate to have received this grant! Its impact on my choir and keyboard classes has been powerful, immediate, and positive. I am already using some of these funds to purchase better quality microphones and stands for our Choirs. I plan on expanding our department by adding much needed back guard rails to our risers to keep our singers safe and confident when they sing. Due to the popularity of my keyboard class, and because the equipment needs upkeep, I plan on using some of these funds to replace damaged headphones and cables for better sound and communication.
We are already looking forward to next semester and even next year, as our music department is continually growing and improving. My kids are getting better and better each semester, and my plans for next year is to showcase their talents in state as well as out state venues.
Being a member of NSHSS has been a very positive experience for me. I will continue to encourage my students to join the NSHSS if they need academic and financial support with their future studies. I often remind my students of this opinion, which I strongly support:
There are three kinds of people in the world
Those who make things happen.
Those who watch others make things happen.
Those who wonder “What happened”?
My enthusiasm for my subject and deep appreciation for my students are things that keep me focused on belonging to the first of the above categories. As long as I have the privilege of belonging to NSHSS and have the opportunity to apply for grants to help me improve, enhance, and grow our music department, I will continue to seek your wonderful support via grant applications.

School Supplies Grant

Mississippi School Of The Arts

I am excited to have been able to use this grant for the costs I incur as I remodel my 11th and 12th grade ELA units to incorporate more arts integration and game-based instruction to foster more engagement, comprehension, and instant data/feedback about the skills mastered. I am also using the money to incorporate more tactile materials & movement into my lesson plans to appeal to the predominantly kinesthetic and visual learners at my art school as well as students who are on the autism spectrum. It’s common for these methods to be used with major success in middle schools, but less common in high schools even though they are just as effective at the high school level, maybe even more. I began this process last year, but it is far more costly than I initially thought it would be, and state funds do not cover what I need for the project, so I am very grateful to have received this grant, as are my students.

To increase student engagement, comprehension, and retention, I have incorporated game based learning methods across all my courses and curriculums. Using educational game platforms like Kahoot, Blooket, Quizzizz, GimKit, Quizlet, etc. is a game-changer for what students would consider “boring” concepts, such as vocabulary and grammar. Providing engaging game-based instruction and tactile/visual learning lessons can engage the students, level the playing field, and help with differentiation when needed (needed a lot at my school). The instant data/feedback that the premium versions of the games (which are very costly) provide—both in the moment and after the game—is extremely valuable to the teaching and learning process. Based on the answers to students’ questions, I can immediately analyze class/student performance, reteaching needs, disconnections in understanding, etc. and plan accordingly—all while in the moment. This allows my classroom to be data-driven on a daily, instantaneous level, which is extremely effective. Then after the game, there is item analysis and valuable student data to analyze each time.

Although arts integration lessons using tactile/kinesthetic materials take more creativity, effort, and funds, these lessons are so profoundly effective for my students when they engage with the materials in a concrete, physical, or visual way, especially if movement can be incorporated, too. These types of lessons are so impactful for the creative, artistic, visual/tactile learners at my school as well as students who are on the autism spectrum. I have been able to purchase playdoh, clay, board games, premium versions of online learning games, etc. and even small “prizes” to make it fun all because of this grant. I am grateful but my students are the real winners here. They get a memorable, solid, and fun learning experience—all backed up with data and analysis—to grow their skills and become successful without the daily monotony of boring lectures, worksheets, etc. It’s because of NSHSS that they get to have such engaging lessons! 

School Supplies Grant

Staunton River High School

Thank you so much for investing in the Staunton River High School Dance program. Your funds helped us meet our most immediate need for dance shoes. The majority of my class could not afford to purchase shoes for themselves and therefore was practicing in only socks. These funds gave me the ability to purchase shoes for the entire class. Now my students can practice with adequate support and protection for their feet. But in addition to providing my students with the most basic supply needed for dance education, these funds also provided something vastly more important for my students. With these shoes, my students now have a sense of legitimacy. Most of my students have never taken formal dance classes before due to the cost of dance education. However, now with their own pair of shoes, they can participate in class the same way that other students participate in local studios. These funds have helped level the playing field for my dance students.

In addition, your funds have allowed us to purchase mats for my students to learn acrobatic skills. We have not yet purchased these mats, but have plans to purchase them shortly. These mats will give my students the ability to practice skills safely without the concern of injury. These funds allow us to also impact the cheer team as they can use the tumbling mats to support their program.

These funds will have an impact on the dance program for many years to come. While these supplies will obviously benefit my current class of students, these supplies also represent an investment in future classes. Your generous funds allowed me to purchase extra shoes that I can use for students next year. The mats can also be used for many years by each group of students. Thank you so much for your support.

School Supplies Grant

Ruth's Way, Inc.

Receiving the NSHSS grant funding significantly enhanced our ability to support the young women participating in Ruth's Way, Inc.'s programs. With the $500 grant, we were able to provide basic school supplies such as notebooks, pens, and folders—items that are often out of reach for the low-income families we serve. These materials, though modest, made a profound impact on our programs, participants, and broader community.

In our Life Skills Just for Girls Forum, for instance, participants used the notebooks to track time management exercises and goal-setting progress. Journaling became a cornerstone of their personal development, empowering them to reflect on their growth and identify actionable steps to reach their aspirations. Similarly, the folders and binders allowed them to organize resumes and other important documents during our Job Readiness and Employment Soft Skills Forum. These simple tools enabled the girls to fully engage with the curriculum, ensuring they could practice and retain critical skills essential for their future success.

The impact of these supplies extended beyond the classroom. Equipped with the tools they needed, participants became more confident and active learners, and this confidence radiated into their families and communities. Parents and guardians expressed gratitude for the support, as it relieved financial burdens and allowed their daughters to thrive in programs focused on their development.

Furthermore, the availability of these supplies reinforced our mission to empower at-risk adolescent female youth. It symbolized our commitment to removing barriers that hinder their success, no matter how small or large. The tangible support of the NSHSS grant funding directly contributed to our ability to deliver effective, transformative programs that address mental health, financial literacy, and academic achievement.

This grant didn’t just fill a practical need—it fostered hope, resilience, and empowerment for the yo

Social Emotional Learning in the Classroom 

Harmony School of Excellence-Austin

m extremely grateful to have received this grant money. The check has been submitted to district finance office and funds are awaited. My principal was very appreciative and congratulated me as she announced it to the team, and I was asked for my input into how the funds (totaling $1500) should be used. I suggested the following-

1) Purchasing board games, activities, gratitude journals, an art supplies for the classroom.

2) Using part of the funds to invite special speakers (leaders in the community) who could be role model for students.

It truly is quite an honor to receive a NSHSS educator award/grant and I look forward to preparing several more proposals for my students and supporting their educational endeavors.

Higher Education Grant

Crawford County High School

I used the Higher Education Grant to pay for my tuition to Mercer University. I am attending Mercer University to earn my Master's degree in Secondary Education. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time at Mercer, especially the endorsement courses I took for coaching. I originally intended to go to Mercer to further my education to help me in my classroom and to be a better teacher. As I worked my way through the classes however, I learned that I can use this degree to help my fellow teachers as well. It takes a village to run a great school and now I feel more qualified to be a part of that village. I have insight into educational research. I have learned new, up-to-date instructional strategies. I have learned how to properly work through a coaching cycle with a peer.
My students have been with me every step of the way. They see my growth and have taken an interest in my education. They will randomly check in with me and ask me how classes are going and what kind of assignments I am working on. They like hearing about how I use my professors' office hours to get help. They seem to view me in a different light because they now see me as their teacher, someone's mother, someone's wife, and a student. It helped make me more relatable.
While attending school, teaching full time, and being a mom and wife has been extremely stressful, I am proud of myself for pushing through. I hope that my story has inspired some of my students to continue their education, even if they do not do so right out of high school. I want my students to know that anything is possible if they choose to put the effort in and not give up.

Higher Education Grant

John F Kennedy Senior High School

As an educator committed to the well-being and growth of my students, I am currently pursuing a degree in special education through Normandale Community College as part of the SPED UP cohort. This program recruits and supports BIPOC students in the early stages of their special education journey, aiming to address persistent equity gaps in K-12 classrooms. Receiving the NSHSS grant has been instrumental in supporting my work at Kennedy High School in the Beacon Alternative Learning Program (ALP), where I provide academic and social-emotional learning (SEL) support to students who struggle in traditional educational settings.

The grant empowered me to invest in additional resources for my students, including individualized learning tools and SEL materials. These resources have helped students at risk of disengagement stay motivated, build confidence, and feel more connected to their learning. By offering tailored support that meets both their academic and emotional needs, I have been able to create a more inclusive environment where students feel valued and capable of success.

The impact of these efforts has been clear. I’ve seen improved student outcomes, including higher engagement, better attendance, and increased self-efficacy. Students who once struggled to connect with their education are now taking ownership of their learning and making meaningful progress. These improvements contribute directly to increased graduation rates, as more students stay on track academically and feel empowered to complete their educational journeys.

Pursuing my degree through the SPED UP program has also deepened my passion for fostering Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in education. This journey has reaffirmed my belief that equitable access to high-quality education is essential to breaking down barriers for marginalized students. The skills and knowledge I am gaining will enable me not only to become a more effective educator but also to mentor colleagues and collaborate with families to create lasting, systemic change.

The impact of the NSHSS grant extends beyond my students—it has empowered me to grow as a leader and advocate for inclusive practices. I am committed to prioritizing the needs of all students and fostering a community where every learner feels supported. Ultimately, this grant has allowed me to make a meaningful difference, not only in the lives of the students I serve but also within the broader educational system, ensuring that every learner has the opportunity to thrive and graduate prepared for future success.

School Club Cash Grant

Triton High School

The money awarded from this enabled me to offset some of the cost for the students of FBLA & DECA to attend the National Leadership Conference in Orlando, Florida in June. Where they went to compete and one was awarded a national award (Young Leader Award) from FBLA.

I believe this grant made an awesome impact on the school, community and my teaching. Being able to provide for a student who is "labeled" a McKinney Vento student, in other words does not have stable home environment (they couch surf) the opportunity to attend a national conference and compete against other students from all over the nation. This caused said student to come back refreshed and renewed to do better this school year and already pick out their next competition for this school year. This student has also turned into a "word of mouth" advertisement for the organization and has helped recruit other students who would normally overlook joining an organization due to the cost. I have been able to use this "pr" to bring some notice to our organization and acquire a few sponsorships for future events for those students who need a helping hand.

Some of the money was also used this current school year to pay for 5 membership fees for students who are considered low-wealth and can not pay for the "extras" (i.e. national and state membership dues)

The school benefits from the recognition of a rural high school on a national stage and bringing notice and recognition to the community about a wonderful organization that allows students to network with colleges at the exhibition event, network with business professionals, and network with other like-minded students from across the nation. With this exposure we a teachers can encourage and show students the benefits of joining the organization and hopefully guide them towards careers they never thought possible. One of the students on this trip has decided to apply to colleges because of his experience talking with various admissions personnel.

Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in the Teaching Grant

Harmony School of Excellence-Austin

I'm extremely grateful to have received this grant money. The check has been submitted to district finance office and funds are awaited. My principal was very appreciative and congratulated me as she announced it to the team, and I was asked for my input into how the funds (totaling $1500) should be used. I suggested the following-

1) Using funds to incentivize attendance in the student community. Gift cards ($25/$50) in my view go a long way in promoting student engagement and incentivizing attendance.

2) Using part of the funds for field trips.

It truly is quite an honor to receive a NSHSS educator award/grant and I look forward to preparing several more proposals for my students and supporting their educational endeavors.

Conference Grants

Jasper High School

The NSHSS grant funding has been a transformative asset, enabling us to make meaningful strides in enhancing educational opportunities and community engagement. With the support of this grant, we were able to implement projects that have positively impacted our school, students, and the broader community.

The funding was strategically utilized to bolster hands-on learning experiences in STEM education. This included the acquisition of essential resources and materials that enriched our courses and allowed students to engage in real-world problem-solving activities. By integrating these tools into the classroom, we created an environment where students could explore innovative ideas and develop critical skills that are vital in today’s workforce. The grant directly contributed to inspiring curiosity and fostering a love of learning among our students, many of whom might not have otherwise had access to such opportunities.

In addition to the classroom, the grant facilitated partnerships with local organizations and businesses, creating a bridge between education and community needs. For example, students were able to collaborate with local industry leaders on projects that addressed real challenges in our region. These initiatives not only deepened students’ understanding of their coursework but also highlighted the practical applications of their studies, empowering them to envision their roles as future leaders and innovators within our community.

The ripple effect of the grant has been felt beyond the school as well. Community members have expressed their excitement about the new energy and opportunities it has brought to our area. Whether through increased student engagement, public showcases of student projects, or collaborative community events, the impact has been both profound and inspiring.

The NSHSS grant funding allowed us to go beyond the traditional scope of teaching, equipping students with tools to succeed academically while instilling a deeper connection to their community. We are deeply grateful for this support, which has opened doors for our students and strengthened the bond between our school and the community we serve. It has been a truly transformative experience, and we look forward to building on this momentum to create even greater opportunities in the future. Thank you for empowering us to make a lasting difference.

Conference Grants

Njamba Secondary School

I, Mr. Khumbo Kamangga, was awarded the $500 (K540 000) NSHSS Conference Grant in May, 2023 for a seminar for my fellow geography teachers as proposed in my application.

An official permission was obtained from the South West Education Division (SWED) manager, Mr. Kandio on 30 October, 2023.

In November letters of invitation were sent to 11 secondary school Geography teachers in Blantyre district which include: Mr. William and Mrs. Chirwa (Njamba Secondary School), Mrs Kapelemela (Zingwangwa Secondary School), Mrs. Gondwe (St. Pius Community Day Secondary School), Mr. Paul (Soche Hill Secondary School), Mrs. Naomi Phiri (Chirimba Community Day Secondary School), Mr. Julius (Ngongomwa Community Day Secondary School), Mrs. Joyce Rudi (Namiwawa Community Day Secondary School), Mrs. Chitakamile and Mr. Munthali (Chichiri Secondary School) and Miss Mukiwa Matapwata Community Day Secondary School.

$17 (K20 000) was used for data bundles to call the teachers by phone.

$117 (K120 000) was the total cost for Lunch plus soft drinks and the snacks.

The seminar was planned on 25 November 2023 at Njamba Secondary School by 6 of the invited teachers. Wildlife Environmental Society of Malawi was the chosen venue and 4 January 2024 was set as the seminar’s date.

Mr. Zulu borrowed us a projector for free. $17 (K20 000) was used for stationery was sourced from well wishers because the NSHSS grant could not cover all the costs.

The first session of the seminar started at 10:00 a.m, after soft drinks were served, and Mrs. Annie Jere was the facilitator. The main topic was Addressing the Pedagogical Challenges in the Teaching if Geography in Malawi.

Lunch was served from 12:30 p. m to 1:00 p. m. The second session started at 1.00 p.m to 2.30 p.m and Mrs. Rudi presented on Assessment and Item Formulation in Geography. Soft drinks and snacks (cakes and chicken thighs) were served at 2:30 p.m.

Third session started at 3.00 p.m and Mrs. A. Jere. Presented on Teaching Challenging Topics in Geography. This session ended at 4.30 p.m.

The fourth session started at 4.30 p.m and the teachers discussed about when to hold the next seminar. This session ended at 5.00 p.m.

At the end of the seminar each teacher received $17 (K20 000) as an allowance.

Evaluation of the seminar was carried out from January to August 2024 using teachers’ oral feedback and the use of a questionnaire that was administered to the participating teachers. Most of the teachers indicated that they attended the seminar to network, to learn assessment and teaching techniques. The teachers also said they learnt innovative teaching and assessment skills which simplified their daily work as teachers in the classroom. Finally, the teachers also commented that they would have loved if another seminar of a similar nature was organized in 2024.

Conference Grants

Harlowton High School

With this grant I was able to attend the Innovative Schools Summit in San Antonio, TX. This grant covered my costs to travel there. While there, I learned from some our country's top educators, including Michael Bonner and Ron Clark, who I credit with changing my life as a teacher in a positive way. I can already see the affects of this in my classroom. Education is incredibly hard right now, with teacher shortages, I have been teaching out of my content area simply to meet the needs of our students. Without doing so, we would not have an English teacher. I am thankful for listening to these speakers and implementing their techniques into my classroom because it has rejuvenated me in year 10, and I feel like I am turning more corners by bringing even more energy and excitement. Going to this conference and reporting back to my coworkers also gave them the encouragement to seek professional development opportunities with speakers of this magnitude.

I recently jumped over to teach ELA classes in addition to my history classes due to the
teacher shortages and our school unable to find an English teacher. One of Clark’s talking points was the importance of learning from our mistakes and holding on to the memories of those to make us better people. He believes it
helps us gain a better grasp on who we are and what we can accomplish. I think of this every day. Who am I? How did my mistakes get me here, and how will I continue to grow? This seems simple enough, but in reality allows me to relax more into who I am and enjoy my students for who they are. I find myself excited about making contacts with family members too. Michael Bonner talked about going to games of his students, and this is something I already do given the size of our school and the fact that my husband coaches, but I began using references to their games in my classroom. These opportunities that you provide us as educators are incredible. I can’t
thank you enough. I look forward to opportunities like this in the future.

Conference Grants

Middleburg High School

I chose to attend the NITOP conference (National Institute of Teaching Psychology) in order to grow in my own delivery of advanced level psychology courses that I have taught for the past 16 years. I learned numerous strategies that I can start implementing immediately that will benefit my students in becoming better critical thinkers and that will help them in their various courses as well. This professional development opportunity has helped my school and community by fostering a growth mindset not only for myself as a teacher, but for my current and future students as well. The field of psychology is so vast and many of my students will need to at least take one psychology course in college, so being able to take a college-level course in high school will also save them money in order to help them obtain their career goals. I was also able to learn about current research in the field that will also help guide in my teaching goals. Thank you so much for awarding me this grant, as I wouldn't have been able to attend without it!

Experiential Learning Grant 

Pitt County Schools Early College High School

Thank you do much for your generous funding of our Mountain Experiential Learning trip! The students had a great time learning and experiencing nature.

We left early on April 19 and traveled to Grandfather Mountain where we hiked, visited the Mile High Swinging Bridge, learned about the lithosphere through the Classroom in the Clouds, and visited animal habitats. We then traveled to Camp Lutherock where we had social time and fellowship, made a campfire, and enjoyed the peacefulness of nature. On Saturday morning, we went zip lining and climbing on site at Lutherock. Afterwards, we travelled to Appalachian State University for a campus tour and information session.

Many students stated how much fun they had and are now seriously considering living or studying in the western part of the state after they graduate from our program. We actually had 5 seniors who are planning on attending App State in the fall and had not had a chance to visit campus yet! We could not have offered this opportunity to students without your support and are so grateful!

Some quotes from the students:

"It was really fun; I liked the activities and being able to see different sides of my peers and nature!"

"I enjoyed the zip lining and hiking, which I would have never been able to experience without having gone on the trip."

"The opportunity to visit the mountains was a once-in-a-lifetime experience for me and one that I will never forget"

"The overnight cabin stay gave us a chance to make memories with classmates - we got to make s'mores, laugh a ton, and enjoy time away."

Experiential Learning Grant

Spanish River Community High School

The grant gave me and my Biotechnology 3 students a wonderful opportunity to explore the genetics of Drosophila, the fruit fly. I was able to order kits from Carolina Biological Supply Company about conducting dihybrid crosses with sepia eye color and apterous fruit flies.
My students learned to set up crosses and observe and record results. They were able to use some statistical tools to compare actual results with predicted outcomes.
Two of my students took a step further and worked with Drosophila in their science fair projects. One of my students wanted to find out if incremental increases in temperature would affect the viability of male and female fruit flies. My other student explored other phenotype combinations in further genetic crosses of Drosophila.
Being able to have my students work with model organisms in our Biotech class is so valuable. Thank you so much for this grant!

Higher Education Grant

Crawford County High School

I used the scholarship money I received from NSHSS to help me return to school to earn my Master's degree. I will graduate this December. In my Master's program my courses covered classroom management theory, teacher leadership, secondary mathematics, diversity, and I even earned a coaching endorsement. My professors have made the courses challenging and engaging, without making it overwhelming for full time working teachers with families. Mercer University has been an outstanding institution to be a part of and the NSHSS Higher Education Grant helped me be a part of it.
I use all of my new knowledge in my classroom daily. I use various strategies I have learned in my lessons. Since I teach high school, I use myself as an example of how to balance life, work, and school simultaneously. My students are always fascinated when I tell them all that I have to do for my classes. They find it very interesting what teachers learn in order to teach. My experience and their curiosity has opened several conversations that were very rewarding.
My coaching endorsement helped me to be a better mentor teacher in the program my district has. I was able to use the skills I gained in my coaching classes to work with my mentee on her path to becoming a better teacher. The coaching classes opened my eyes to see that the mentor-mentee relationship is a two way street. I have learned from her and she has learned from me. We have been a good team.
I still have two classes this summer and one this fall to finish my Master’s degree. Without this scholarship I do not believe pursuing this degree would even be an option. I am so thankful to NSHSS for allowing me the opportunities it has. I am also thankful for the student who shared NSHSS with me and opened a whole new world of possibilities.

Advanced Placement (AP) Educator Grant

Homestead High School

As a recipient of this grant, AP Art & Design students were fortunate enough to visit the John Michael Kohler Arts Center in Sheboygan, WI. The center is known for promoting the understanding and appreciation of the work of self-taught and contemporary artists through exhibitions and commissioned works of art. AP Art and Design students participated in a guided tour of the Kohler Art Center’s exhibits followed by an art making workshop on site. The goal was to expose, inspire and motivate our Visual Art Department capstone course artists as they pursue their “sustained investigation” in preparation for the AP exam.
Some of the artists featured were “outsider artists” or self taught. Others were established in the contemporary art and design community. It was wonderful for students to see the range of styles, approaches and intention behind the featured artists’ work. Our guide was wonderful and had engagement activities in each space encouraging reflection and discussion.
The workshop was SO much fun. Students designed, carved, poured and cleaned up cuttlefish bone pewter castings. AP students got to flex their design skills, create something through a novel process and have a take away artwork from their experience at the Center. In a nutshell, it was a lovely day and our students were grateful for the opportunity and inspired by our visit!

Advanced Placement (AP) Educator Grant

Freedom High School

Obtaining grant funds can provide educators with a transformative opportunity to improve learning experiences outside of the classroom. With the help of the AP Educator award from the National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS), I was able to give my AP Calculus students a unique educational experience at our state's amusement park, Carowinds. This endeavor helped students to develop a deeper comprehension of the real-world applications of calculus in engineering in addition to reinforcing principles taught in the classroom.
The $1000 NSHSS grant was crucial in removing financial barriers to participation by helping to subsidize admission tickets for AP Calculus students. Also, a portion of the funding was used for transportation expenses in order to guarantee that every student had fair access to this incredible learning opportunity.
Students were able to bridge the gap between abstract ideas and concrete results by using theoretical calculus principles to real-world situations through the trip to Carowinds. Through engaging exercises like examining the trajectory of roller coasters and comprehending the mathematics underlying ride designs, students developed a fresh awareness of the benefits of calculus in a variety of fields, including engineering and design.
As a teacher, the Carowinds trip has given me new ideas to incorporate in the curriculum for next year. I will be able to develop more student involvement and a deeper comprehension of the subject matter by incorporating real-world applications into the calculus program. In addition, the experience has given me insightful knowledge about the varied interests and learning styles of my students, which will allow me to teach using a more interdisciplinary approach that crosses traditional disciplinary boundaries.
For the whole academic year, my students have been enthusiastic about this chance. We shared an amazing day and it would not have been possible without the NSHSS AP Educator grant.

Advanced Placement (AP) Educator Grant

Hazel Green High School

I was able to purchase 3 of the Sphero RVR+ robots with the funds provided from NSHSS grant. The students found them extremely engaging and they help with our computer programming unit. I have over 130 AP students who were able to see first hand how the program the wrote was applied in a real world situation. This helped with students who have a hard time sitting in class and learn with a more hands on approach . Each group would use Java Script programming language to maneuver their robot autonomously around an obstacle course. Next year I am planning on adding raspberry pi to the RVR's so students will be able to actively hack the robot while it is running a course. I greatly appreciate all of the support of NSHSS. Being part of a STEM curriculum is extremely expensive and we need all of the support we can get.

STEAM Educator Grant

Spring Valley School

I used the grant to buy 200 lb of Laguna B-mix wood fire clay (approx. $300.00, including shipping and handling). My students and I produced pottery for an Anagama kiln firing with the University of Montevallo. Firing this ancient kiln design uses large amounts of wood fuel and time. To fund the effort and reserve 8 cubic feet of space in the kiln, I donated $400.00 of the grant to UM. Attached you will find photos of the kiln, my students, and their work before and after the firing. I used this experience to teach them about the history and firing method of these kilns, the atmosphere they produce and the chemistry of the deposited ash glaze. I have enough clay left over to repeat this experience for 1-2 more firing cycles.

I used the remaining funds (approx. $300.00) to renovate a portable, interactive laminar flow fountain I built for the McWane Science Center many years ago. They retired it and gifted it to me to use as a teaching tool at my school. I replaced the pump, nebulizers and power supply and I repaired the electronics. This fountain produces a beautiful laminar "bubble" of water that can be filled with fog. The children can manipulate the shape of the bubble and break it to release the fog. The fountain was very popular at the museum and provides an opportunity to teach about laminar flow, the Bernoulli effect, cohesion, pressure gradients and Pascal's principle among other possibilities. I have included a short video of the completed renovation.

STEAM Educator Grant

Hiram High School

Thank you so much for awarding the students at Hiram HS with this grant. The funds were used to pay for field trips to Skills USA Region and State Competition. Our Computer Science students won 1st place for Job Interview and 2nd place for Internetworking. The funds were used to pay for field trips to FBLA Region Conference. Our Computer Science student won 5th place for Intro to Technology. Some of the money will be spent on our Senior Night Awards Ceremony field trip for our Graduating Computer Science kids. I have attached photos.

STEAM Educator Grant

Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School

Using the STEAM Educator Grant has significantly enhanced the competitive landscape for our Esports team at Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School. By leveling the playing field with other schools, we've empowered our players to excel in games like Fortnite, Ultimate Super Smash Bros, and Rocket League. Recognizing the importance of gaming accessories in this arena, we strategically allocated funds towards downloadable content, ensuring our players have access to the latest updates and enhancements for their games.

Moreover, we expanded our gaming infrastructure by investing in additional consoles, including two new Nintendo Switches and an extra Xbox Series S. Upgrading from standard Joy-Cons to more ergonomic controllers have not only improved gameplay comfort but also contributed to increased performance and competitiveness among our teams. This expansion has not only facilitated inter-school competitions but also fostered healthy competition within our own ranks during practice sessions.

Looking beyond immediate gaming needs, we've begun exploring opportunities to integrate 3D printing technology into our curriculum and extracurricular activities. By acquiring filament for our 3D printers, we aim to lay the groundwork for fundraising initiatives to support future endeavors, such as the robotics team. Our plan to produce Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School-themed trinkets for sale not only generates revenue but also fosters school spirit and community engagement.

The impact of the grant has been tangible, with our competitors experiencing a noticeable uptick in performance and morale. Equipped with downloadable content and ergonomic gear, they approach games with reduced stress and heightened enthusiasm. Additionally, the prospect of working with high-quality, visually appealing filament has sparked interest among science students, driving engagement with our STEM Club and Robotics program. The allure of designing and creating using cutting-edge technologies available within our school environment has ignited a passion for innovation and creativity among our students, paving the way for future success in STEAM fields.

In summary, the STEAM Educator Grant has not only enabled us to fulfill immediate needs within our Esports program but has also laid the foundation for long-term growth and innovation across multiple disciplines. We are grateful for the opportunity to enhance the educational experience and competitiveness of our students at Monsignor Kelly Catholic High School.

School Club Cash Grant

St. Edward High School

The Service Club grant helped a group of service-oriented students at St. Edward High School plan and participate in an off-campus trip to West Virginia with Habitat for Humanity. Twelve students and three adult leaders were in rural Appalachia helping to build the home for a family in need from June 4-10, 2023. This experience was eye-opening for all trip members. Besides learning how fortunate they are in many ways, they also learned basic handyman skills and bonded as a group with like-minded values of why serving others is important.

School Club Cash Grant

The English Center

NSHSS grant funding was a lifesaver for our program. We have a program to help at-risk student to open their horizons as to future careers and interests. As part of this project, our students are members of Police Explorers group which provides them with activities and events where they can learn about their choices in life. these students are able to join other youngsters in things of their liking and they are able to bring their enthusiasm into their own goals for tomorrow.

These students come from low income and recently arrived families which limits their economic and financial access, so in order to provide them with the materials that are needed to carry out the mandates for the Police Explorer Program, we need to acquire items such as: boots, uniforms and even certain awards and certificates which are given to the students as part of the Police Explorers Life Experience.

The program coordinator is a police officer and she also provides time, experience and expertise for these young people, who desperately need an adult and professional who has a shoulder to lean on and to seek out advice from a seasoned professional. As a result of these funds, we were able to offer all of our participants, the needed tools and equipment that they needed to make sure that they received the best results from their ongoing participation in the program.

This program does not receive any funding from state or federal government It basically operates on private donations and organizations such as NSHSS who so generously offers to assist these students in receiving a true and enjoyable school experience.

We are thankful for their donation and we look forward in continuing to collaborate in the future to make sure that other young ones can benefit and obtain a wonderful academic experience from our Police Explorers Program.

School Club Cash Grant 

Northern Adirondack Central School

The School Club Cash grant that I received has been beyond beneficial. The $500 was used by the Math Honor Society that I advise at Northern Adirondack Central School. The first thing we purchased was a banner with the name and date the club was established. Before purchasing this banner, the organization used this small 1 ft by 1 ft cloth napkin with the state organization’s name. Math Honor Society is a prestigious organization and having a high quality banner reflects the caliber of the students that are inducted every year.

The second thing we did with the grant was to put on a Pi-Day Activity table outside of the cafeteria at all three lunches. At the table, students could spin a wheel and answer questions that were true/false, fill in the blank, and multiple choice. If the students answered correctly, they were entered into a drawing to win a calculator. Grades 6 and 7, could possible win a scientific calculator and grades 8-12 could possible with a TI-84 CE
graphing calculator with the python program. Students could choose a prize and the choices were pi day pencils, pi day pins, and mini candy bars. So many students participated that next year we are going to have two tables.

The last thing we purchased were two bulletin boards to display current Math Honor Society news, members, and officers. The Math Honor Society has been around since 2006 and has never had a designated area to display all of the wonderful things that the organization does and recognizes the members.

Without receiving the grant, the Math Honor Society would have never been able to achieve some of these wonderful things. The organization would have to fundraise to bring in the funds to purchase these items. Math Honor Society is a small organization and fundraising does not bring in a lot of money. The students and myself are beyond grateful for the grant and hope to receive more in the future.

School Club Cash Grant 

Cedar Valley Christian School

I used my NSHSS grant funding to take my theater and speech students to the Theatre Museum of Repertoire Americana in Mt. Pleasant, Iowa. Iowa was home to over half the travelling stock and repertoire theatre companies in the country throughout the 19th and 20th centuries. The museum houses many artifacts, theater backdrops, costumes, and scripts from that period. They learned about lines of business for men and women, which were the stock characters they would play. In repertoire companies, one actor would learn a role for six different shows at one time. They would perform one line of business, which means all six characters would be the same type- the leading lady, the ingenue, the heavy, the juvenile, and others. The students realized they shouldn't complain about having to learn lines for one character in one show at a time! The students also learned about the impact of Iowans in the travelling theater world. They were impressed that an Iowan developed a new type of stage paint that didn't crack on muslin or canvas when it was rolled up.

The students were impacted by learning more of the history of an activity they love. They were surprised by many things they learned, including the prejudice against women in theatre. They knew that existed in Shakespeare's time, but weren't aware that it carried all the way into the early 20th century. They now understand why Iowa towns have old Opera Houses instead of theater buildings- opera was much more respectable, so they used it as a euphemism. They also learned how live theater was cherished by people in small town Iowa. Sometimes tent show crowds would be larger than the whole town's population! It was entertainment that brought people together across lots of social lines and gave them a shared culture. In the research done by the Museum, they unfortunately discovered that this shared culture was only shared among white Iowans- there is little evidence of black Iowans in attendance. This divide struck the students.

In our post trip discussions and activities, the kids indicated an increased appreciation for their home state and its place in history. They were excited to learn about possible opportunities to perform and learn more about travelling tent companies from a first hand perspective. As a group, we considered reviving one of the old tent shows as a performance next year for either a main stage production or a competitive speech piece. Understanding where Iowa theatre came from helps the students understand why it is such a vibrant and important part of Iowa culture.

School Club Cash Grant

Trion High School

Our FCCLA Chapter utilized our grant funds to travel to Denver, Colorado for the FCCLA National Leadership Conference. Four of our students competed in STAR Events at the national conference and these funds helped use to provide travel, lodging and meals for our students. Our students helped raise funds for this trip and through their efforts and this grant we were able to enjoy our trip without worry.

School Supplies Grant

Boca Raton Community High School

We wanted to thank the National Society of High School Scholars for helping our students expand the tools they have available for their usage. Our students were able to purchase the last items needed to put together two new workstations that they can now use for research, coding, machine learning, or AI. Then, our students were able to put these workstations together, learning a great deal in the process. They problem-solved, diagnosed, and experimented with the builds to fine-tune these for high performance and reliability. Right now, these workstations can be used by any of the students at our school for any creative or educational reason. Students are also learning to use Linux on these workstations since this will be a more common operating system in the areas of research. Once again, we wanted to thank the National Society of High School Scholars for this grant to help our students!

School Supplies Grant

Westview Junior-Senior High School

Thank you for the School Supply Grant for my Applied Skills Classroom. I had the opportunity to take my students on a Community Based Instruction (CBI) trip at the beginning of the school year to purchase items needed for our class. We first brainstormed ideas and made a list of necessary items. These items included hygiene products, cleaning supplies, clothing, and even some PE supplies, just for fun!

These items allow my students to practice and maintain proper hygiene for their employment experience. I currently have six students volunteering in a supported employment program and having extra hygiene supplies on hand has been very helpful.

We saved some funds for the second part of the school year so that items can be replenished if needed or additional items could be purchased. We’ve continued to make a list of essential items that have been used more than others and have added more to our future list.

This grant/project has turned out to be a wonderful opportunity for social skills training, budgeting, needs and wants, and “do we have enough money” for certain items. This grant opportunity has also turned into a teachable moment on how we take care of things that have been given or donated to us as well as being appreciative for what we are blessed with.

As a writing lesson, I had my students in small groups to create and type a thank you letter that has been included in this final report.

In conclusion, I want to personally thank the NSHSS committee for seeing the value in my students and the need for this school supply grant. I deeply care about my students and how they feel about themselves as well, and having grooming and hygiene items on hand is a true blessing.

School Supplies Grant

Northern Nash High School

With the grant funding provided to me, I was able to purchase four dip glazes and 2 brush glazes for my pottery classes. My students have really enjoyed being able to learn how to create works of pottery and be able to use dip glaze for their works. My higher level pottery classes have never been able to use mid fire glazes and this is especially exciting and important for them to learn at this stage. With dip glaze they are able to learn how master potters produce glaze ware at a rapid rate and the difference between low fire and mid fire glazes. They have been able to produce beautiful bowls and vases, as well as, learn about and produce face jugs. The benefit of having dip glazes allows my students to coat the inside of large vessels, which we were unable to do before.

With the 2 brush glazes we were able to purchase, students were able to create miniatures that were given away to the community as an anonymous gift of love. Students created small miniature clay sculptures and left them around the community with a note letting the person know that found them, it was theirs to keep, they were loved and someone wanted them to have it as a way to spread joy and cheer. Having glaze colors we have not been able to purchase for some time due to lack of funds helped to make this project possible. Students were not limited by glaze colors to determine the subject matter they could create.

For the first time, in a long time, students have been excited about the glazing process and learning new things. Having the option of glaze techniques has expanded the curriculum in beginning, intermediate, proficient and advanced pottery classes. My students have gained a tremendous amount of knowledge and benefited greatly from this schools supplies grant. Thank you so much!

School Supplies Grant

Green Oaks Performing Arts Academy

I wanted to express my heartfelt gratitude for awarding me the supplies scholarship for my Business Education Classes. This generous support meant the world to me and greatly aided in my pursuit of a quality education for my students.

Your belief in my potential and commitment to helping me succeed is truly inspiring. With these supplies, I became better equipped to excel in my studies and achieve my academic and career goals. Supplies purchased were mannequins to utilize during activities to train on the difference between dress casual, business casual, causal wear via visual aid( Mannequin). Students were be able to utilize and participate in exercises that will help them with attire to wear during business affair. Students had the opportunity to dress mannequin to match the dress the instructor has assigned. Additionally, students purchased supplies to start a business selling hot chocolate teaching them the ends and out of running a business. The importance of entrepreneurship.

Your investment in my education was not only an investment in my future but also in the growth of my business knowledge and skills for my scholars.

Once again, thank you for your generosity and trust in me. Your support is invaluable, and I am sincerely grateful for the chance to further my education with your assistance.

School Supplies Grant

Saint Bonaventure High School

The $500 classroom supplies grant was awarded to Patti Strickland to enhance the learning experience of 60 high school students enrolled in Speech and Mythology classes. The objective of the grant was to support project-based learning initiatives that would foster creativity, critical thinking, and active student engagement. The funds were utilized to purchase supplies for three distinct projects: the "Oedipus Rex Puppet Theater," "Primordial, Titan and Olympian Gods Mask Making," and "Black Panther Board Game Creation." Additionally, a phone tripod was acquired for the Speech class to facilitate recording interviews and speeches.

Project Details:
Oedipus Rex Puppet Theater: After studying "Oedipus Rex," students were organized into groups. They were tasked with creating sock puppets representing characters from the play and designing a puppet theater. Subsequently, students wrote and acted in a recreation of "Oedipus Rex." The grant funds were allocated to purchase puppet-making materials, theater props, and necessary art supplies.

Primordial, Titan and Olympian Gods Mask Making: Following the study of Greek mythology, each student chose a god from the pantheon. They then created a unique mask representing their chosen deity and designed a museum plaque. In addition, students wrote short speeches to introduce their masks to the class. The grant procured art supplies such as masks, paint, and plaque materials.

Black Panther Board Game Creation: Students were divided into groups to design a board game after analyzing "Black Panther" as a modern myth. These games aimed to teach the values of Wakanda while being engaging and educational. Grant funds were used to purchase game design materials, art supplies, and board game components.

Phone Tripod for Speech Class: A phone tripod was acquired to enhance the Speech class's public speaking component. This tool allowed students to record interviews and speeches, enabling self-assessment and improvement. The tripod facilitated the development of crucial communication skills.

Outcomes and Impact:

The implementation of the grant-supported projects had a profoundly positive impact on the 60 participating students. They were actively engaged and expressed a genuine enthusiasm for the learning experiences provided. Through hands-on activities and creative expression, students better understood the subjects studied.

The puppet theater project fostered teamwork, creativity, and a deeper comprehension of the themes within "Oedipus Rex." Students' ability to apply their knowledge through puppetry and theater significantly enhanced their appreciation of the play.

The gods mask-making project allowed students to delve into Greek mythology in a tangible way. Creating masks and delivering speeches about their chosen gods improved public speaking skills and historical understanding.

The Black Panther board game project encouraged critical thinking and creativity while reinforcing the values portrayed in the movie. It provided a contemporary and relatable connection to mythology.

The phone tripod in the Speech class facilitated self-assessment and improvement in public speaking skills, allowing students to review and reflect on their performances.

Overall, the grant-funded projects achieved their educational objectives, making learning enjoyable and meaningful for the students involved.

School Supplies Grant

Carrier Mills-Stonefort High School

After receiving the school supplies grant from NSHSS I was able to purchase basic school supplies for my students. Many of my students come from households that would be considered low-income. This comes with a whole host of issues but one that I have seen year after year was being able to provide basic school supplies like paper, pencils, calculators, etc. This creates an additional obstacle for my students/families to figure out. I was able to help lessen this burden many struggle with by being able to purchase these materials that can be distributed discreetly by me when I notice a student is lacking supplies. I was able to purchase enough to sustain this throughout the remainder of this school year. I would like to once again thank the committee for selecting me to receive this grants because it has greatly impacted the educational environment in my classes.

School Supplies Grant

Chattooga High School

Through the generous 2023 National Society of High School Scholars School Supplies Grant, I was able to purchase a centrifuge, chemicals, and burettes for my chemistry and physical science students at Chattooga High School. Chemistry students were able to investigate concentrations and polymers in an inquiry gel electrophoresis experiment determining types of bacteria. Students calculated, poured, and set up the gels and buffer solution for the gel electrophoresis experiment. Then, they determined types of bacteria based upon the bands in each lane. Because of this grant, my students were able to use industry-standard equipment, such as a centrifuge and gel electrophoresis system. In addition to gaining knowledge and experience with industry standard equipment, students gained practical skills needed to further their goals of working in the medical field or engineering, such as gel electrophoresis. This investigation was a worthwhile project because it provided my chemistry students with the opportunity to investigate the polymers and concentrations using industry chemistry practices and equipment.

Additionally, chemistry students inquired into the analysis of the neutralization of acids and bases, endpoints, and concentrations through the titration of a strong acid with a strong base using phenolphthalein as the indicator. The purchase of burettes allowed all students to participate in lab pairs instead of working in groups of four students as part of a set of lab stations. This inquiry investigation allowed students to plan and carry out an investigation to determine that a new chemical had been formed by identifying indicators of a chemical reaction by a color change. Additionally, students planned and carried out an investigation to explore acid-base neutralization and used mathematics to calculate the amount of sodium hydroxide and hydrochloric acid to dilute to produce a 0.10M Hydrochloric Acid Solution and a 0.1M Sodium Hydroxide Solution using stoichiometry. This investigation was a worthwhile project because it provided my chemistry students with the opportunity to investigate the properties of acids and bases using chemical industry practices.

Due to the generosity of the National Society of High School Scholars, my Physical Science students were able to practice pipetting techniques on an industry caliber. Students poured and set up gels for the gel electrophoresis system. Then, they used food dye to practice pipetting into a gel. Because of this grant, students in rural northwest Georgia have been able to practice laboratory techniques, increase the caliber of their laboratory skills, use industry grade equipment, and obtain knowledge to help guide them into successful medical, technology, and engineering careers.

School Supplies Grant

Newcastle High School

I am writing to express my sincere gratitude for the generous grant we received from your organization to support our school's educational initiatives. This grant has had a significant impact on our ability to provide essential school supplies, enrich the learning experience, and create a positive environment for our students.
The grant funds were allocated thoughtfully and efficiently to address our school's specific needs. We divided the funds into various categories, such as sticker and vinyl material, writing materials, and art supplies. Here is an overview of how the grant has been utilized:
Sticker and Vinyl material: A considerable portion of the grant was used to purchase new tools and supplies for our cricuts in the library. They are used by students to create their own projects and to personalize their laptops, water bottles, and notebooks. This allowed us to ramp up the use of our makerspace and allow students access to materials they wouldn’t get outside of the school.
Writing and Art Supplies: We were able to procure a wide range of writing supplies, including pens, pencils, notebooks, and art materials. These supplies have not only improved the students' classroom experience but have also encouraged their creativity and self-expression through art projects.
Maintenance and Upkeep: Some funds were allocated for the maintenance and repair of our equipment, ensuring a safe and conducive environment for learning.
I have included two photos of our makerspace in the library. It may not look like much, since students were not in the library at the time, but it is well used. The open, large tables allow for projects that need more space and attention. The storage of materials is important, too, to keep it organized. Overall, this grant has allowed my students the access to materials to be creative and make items that personalize their learning materials.
In conclusion, I want to express our deepest appreciation for NSHSS and this supplies grant! The grant has not only filled a significant gap in our school's budget but has also enabled us to provide a high-quality extra to the education for our students. We are committed to ensuring that every penny of the grant is used efficiently and effectively to benefit the students. We look forward to the possibility of continuing our partnership in the future.
Thank you once again for your generosity and support.

School Supplies Grant 

Mercedes High School

This grant helped defray the cost of providing all the necessary supplies to students in the P-TECH program to accomplish all the goals for their scholastic year. Students were able to hold presentations with topics such as dual enrollment, drug substance abuse and attendance in schools. I was able to fund their projects with everything they needed without having them wait to place orders and receive materials. Students have become very accustomed to stopping by my office when they need certain supplies to complete their assignments from glue to color print outs. The last thing I needed was to deny our students anything that they needed to succeed in their classroom. It fills my heart to know that grants such as these exist to bridge the financial gap that small school districts face. Furthermore, this grant helped fund other initiatives indirectly. Through the P-TECH Academy we are tasked to meet work based learning goals that expose students to college and career preparation. This scholastic year we were able to take our students on field tours to simulation labs and university tours. Our students were able to have hands-on experience and learn more about the career they are interested in. Students were able to share and talk about their experience and many of them had the same comments, "It was exciting to be in a simulation hospital it really made me feel like I was in an actual hospital". I know for a fact that this would have not been possible without the assistance of this grant. As mentioned, this grant helped in many more ways than just with school supplies. It helped allocate other funds to promote our Academy and High School, but most importantly to focus on what our students need. I can also state that teachers are also glad to hear that there are supplies available to them without having to worry about submitting a purchase order and waiting for the supplies to come in. Overall, the impact it has had on our school is gratifying.

School Supplies Grant

Redland Elementary

The school supply grant has had a transformative impact on both my teaching and my classroom environment. With the additional resources, I’ve been able to provide my students with tools and materials that enhance their learning experiences and cater to different learning styles. The new supplies have not only allowed me to implement more hands-on activities, but they have also enabled me to diversify my teaching methods, moving beyond traditional approaches. For instance, the ability to incorporate more creative projects, group work, and individualized activities has led to greater student engagement and participation.

Before receiving the grant, it was often challenging to provide students with all the resources they needed to succeed. Some students would come to class without basic materials, which created barriers to their learning. The grant has alleviated these issues by ensuring that everyone has access to the necessary supplies, fostering a more equitable learning environment. This has also allowed me to focus more on teaching rather than managing supply shortages or improvising when materials were unavailable.

Additionally, the grant has improved the overall classroom atmosphere. Students are now more motivated and excited to engage in activities, knowing that they have the tools to express their ideas fully. This has led to noticeable improvements in both the quality of student work and their overall attitude toward learning.

On a personal level, the grant has lightened the financial burden of purchasing supplies out-of-pocket. It has empowered me to be a more effective and creative teacher, knowing that I have the resources to support my lessons. Overall, the grant has significantly enhanced the educational experience in my classroom, benefiting both my teaching practice and my students’ learning outcomes.

School Supplies Grant

Nairobi, Africa

Receiving the NSHSS grant funding has been a game-changer for our classroom, school, and community, allowing us to make significant strides in integrating modern educational technology into our teaching practices. This grant has enabled us to enhance learning outcomes, engage students more effectively, and create a dynamic and immersive learning environment that prepares them for success in the digital age.

With the initial allocation of the grant, we were able to introduce projectors into our classrooms, which served as a foundational step towards incorporating technology into our teaching methods. These projectors have transformed traditional lectures into interactive sessions, allowing us to deliver content in a more engaging and visually stimulating manner. However, we recognized that to fully leverage the potential of technology in education, we needed to go beyond basic projection.

One of the innovative initiatives we embarked upon with the NSHSS grant funding was the creation of speaking cartoons for mathematics and science subjects. These speaking cartoons utilized animation and voiceovers to explain complex concepts in a clear and accessible manner, catering to different learning styles and abilities. The response from both students and teachers was overwhelmingly positive, with many expressing how the interactive nature of the cartoons helped them grasp difficult concepts more easily.

Despite the success of the speaking cartoons project, we also had ambitious plans for further integrating technology into our curriculum. Unfortunately, due to budget constraints, we were unable to fully realize these plans. There were additional activities and projects we had envisioned, such as implementing virtual reality simulations for history lessons, utilizing coding and robotics kits for computer science classes, and providing students with access to online resources and educational apps. These initiatives would have further enriched the learning experience and empowered students to explore and interact with content in new and exciting ways.

Moving forward, securing additional funding is essential for us to continue our efforts in leveraging technology to enhance education. The impact of the NSHSS grant funding on our school, community, and teaching practices has been undeniable, but there is still much more we can achieve with the right resources in place. By investing in modern educational technology, we can equip our students with the skills and knowledge they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world, ensuring that they are prepared for the challenges and opportunities that lie ahead.

Finally, the NSHSS grant funding has allowed us to take significant strides towards integrating technology into our teaching practices and creating a more dynamic and engaging learning environment. While we have made progress with the resources available to us, securing additional funding is crucial for us to fully realize our vision of harnessing the power of technology to transform education for the benefit of our students, school, and community.

School Supplies Grant 

John F Kennedy Senior High School

I am excited to share my plans for utilizing the NSHSS grant to enhance the learning experience and development of my students. A significant portion of the grant will be dedicated to creating innovative learning opportunities within my classroom, which currently lacks sufficient budgetary support for necessary supplies. This funding will enable me to establish a more inclusive and supportive environment where every student feels valued and equipped for academic success.

I am passionate about fostering an inclusive learning environment that celebrates diversity, promotes equity, and encourages excellence. By integrating dynamic elements into my teaching approach, I aim to inspire curiosity, critical thinking, and a love for learning among my students. The grant will also support initiatives aimed at addressing individual learning needs and promoting a culture of respect and understanding.

I am grateful to NSHSS for this opportunity and am committed to making a meaningful impact on the lives of my students. I look forward to contributing to our educational community's continued success.

School Supplies Grant 

Robert C Byrd High School

The $500.00 grant awarded to my students in our West Virginia high school helped in several areas: 1) purchase of materials for a project on "Graffiti", 2) purchase of books for students, including Spanish texts for Level One English Learners, and 3) rewards. Firstly, we completed a unit on "Graffiti" which had students read texts from several different genres and then write a thoughtful argumentative essay either in support or against allowing graffiti as an acceptable form of street art. Students were then given good paint markers, practice rolls of white paper, and a class canvas to capture their own "class graffiti" which is proudly displayed in the hallway of our school. Secondly, pocket novels were purchased for students, many who have admittedly never read a complete novel. In addition, several copies of a class novel were purchased in Spanish, which are quite expensive and out of reach without the help provided by this grant money. Lastly, as a treat following the reading of "Romeo and Juliet" students were given a chocolate rose on Valentine's Day for their hard work in reading their first Shakespearean play!

We are very grateful for this opportunity. The money allowed for enrichment activities as well as vital texts for students who are only just beginning to learn English who would otherwise be unable to access the material. Our school is planning to keep the class canvases, six in all, and as our freshmen get ready to graduate, we have a wonderful memento from their freshman year that gets to go home with six lucky graduates.

School Supplies Grant 

Staunton River High School

Thanks to this funding, I was able to purchase much-needed supplies for the dance program. We were able to better utilize the studio space by purchasing storage benches. Not only can the students use these benches to place their bags on, but we are also able to use the storage space built into the benches to store shoes and other items. Several of my students were not able to purchase dance shoes for themselves. I was able to use some of these funds to purchase shoes for them to use during class. Because we are a new program, our studio space is an extra classroom in an academic building. My students need to use the building bathrooms for changing at the start of class. In order to make this process easier, I was able to use these funds to purchase slide-on shoes that they could borrow to change or go to the bathroom without having to take off their dance shoes. We were also able to purchase performance costumes with these funds. These costumes gave my students the confidence to perform and presented a more legitimate look to the new program. We were able to use these costumes for 3 performances throughout the year.

While the impact on the students enrolled in the class this year is obvious, this funding will have a far greater impact on the school community. First, the majority of the students in the class this year had no previous dance experience. Because of their experience this school year, enhanced by what I was able to purchase with this funding, these students are more likely to pursue other dance experiences. They are also more likely to encourage their future children to participate in dance, creating a generational effect. Second, the dance program is already experiencing growth. We have more students enrolled in the class for next year. I truly believe that this is in part, due to the legitimate appearance of the program that we were able to present at our performances. The supplies purchased with these funds will benefit these future students as the program grows.

School Supplies Grant 

Fredonia High School

Hello, my name is Theresa Fischer. I have been an educator for 17 years and am in my 14th year of teaching 7-12 choir and theater at Fredonia Junior/Senior High School in Fredonia Kansas. We are a small 3A school in a rural low economic area. I was awarded the grant for school supplies wave two for 2023.

I utilized the grant money from the school supplies grant to fix our portable piano keyboard. I am a choir and theater teacher in a small school district located in Kansas. During our Fall and summer musicals, we depend on this keyboard for all shows and rehearsals. It is an essential part of our program, and it was crucial for it to be in working order. Without this grant, I would not have had the financial means to repair the instrument.

I have been the director of our district theater program for the past 10 years and have produced over 20 shows. Our theater program has been recognized by our State Jester Awards program with nominations for lighting design, stage crew, vocal music director, supporting performer, and leading performers. Having adequate equipment to produce those shows makes the stress of the musical much less so I can focus on the needs of the students and the details of the production.

Our portable keyboard is also used when our choir and theater programs go into the community and perform for club meetings and other events. On many occasions, the groups we go perform for in turn give us donations to keep our program funded. Giving back to the community is extremely important to me.

I would like to thank the National Society of High School Scholars for this grant opportunity. Grants from organizations like yours are what makes small programs like ours successful. Giving these opportunities to our students are preparing them to be caring individuals that work well together, are confident in front of a crowd and have a well rounded education.

School Supplies Grant 

Tiftarea Academy

With the grant monies, the school was able to purchase 24 noise-canceling headphones with microphones, a storage hanging shelf, and three lightning to headphone jack adapters. The headphones were a huge benefit to the classroom, especially in the more advanced Spanish classes. For the Dual Enrollment students, I was able to provide pre-recorded listening exercises and have students use the headphones to answer questions or record presentations. The students were less self-conscious about being heard by their peers, since others were also recording at the same time. Previously, I would have had to pull students out in the hallway or separate them out into many different classrooms to allow for recording, so students didn't get flustered or distracted by their peers while giving a recorded presentation. The headphones, however, allowed all students to stay in the same space and record all at once, making the process more efficient with less angst on the student. Some students used the headphones to complete IXLs or online supersites, especially if they had completed written work and were ahead of schedule. For next year, we plan to check-out the headphones for students in The Learning Center, where many of our students receive additional academic services. Because several students may be in the center at the same time, the headphones may provide enough noise cancellation to help students concentrate on testing and other academic work.