RECOGNIZING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF OUTSTANDING EDUCATORS

"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."

"Receiving this grant from NSHSS is truly an honor and a meaningful reminder of why I chose to step into education. My journey into the classroom came after many years in the professional world, and I’ve learned that success isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about believing in your ability to grow, take risks, and pursue opportunities. Every day, I strive to create an environment where my students feel valued, capable, and prepared for whatever path they choose. This recognition not only affirms the work happening in my classroom, but it also fuels my passion to continue pouring into my students and helping them see their potential. I am incredibly grateful to NSHSS for investing in educators and for inspiring the next generation to dream big and work hard to achieve those dreams."

"I can't wait to share this wonderful news with the amazing student leaders of our school's Model United Nations (MUN)! This NSHSS grant will enable our group to attend more conferences. My students are enthusiastic and driven. They are also not your typical MUN club. My students will be the first in their families to attend college. Often, our students are the only African American or Latinx students at the conferences we attend. I support MUN because it fosters diplomacy, and an understanding of international issues, and encourages young people to become global citizens. On a personal note, attending MUN conferences also gives my students the space to meet and interact with academically motivated young people, something of a precursor to the students they will encounter in college."

"Being named the Educator Coach of the year for 2020 by the National Society for High School Scholars has reaffirmed my hard work and dedication to students over the past 35 years of my teaching career. Receiving the $5,000 grant in the midst of the COVID–19 Pandemic has definitely been a blessing since it arrived at a time when it was desperately needed. I am thankful and humbled to have received such an outstanding honor from such a prestigious organization."

I would like to thank the National Society of High School Scholars grant committee for selecting me for this award. Everything I do, I do it for my students. There are days I feel like I am not getting it right, but when I get a message from a past student saying how what I taught them they are able to use it on their current job or in their college classes, I know I am in the right place. God has truly given me a gift to inspire the next generation and I will continue to do so until I can't anymore!

"Thank you, NSHSS, for recognizing the hard work of educators. I have been a member of this great organization for almost 20 years and I appreciate the continued support and encouragement. This grant will help me continue to effectively teach Calculus to my amazing scholars."

"Receiving the NSHSS Educator Grant is both an honor and an encouragement. As a teacher, one of the most rewarding parts of my work is finding ways to give my students opportunities to experience science beyond the textbook and to see themselves as capable scientists, problem-solvers, and lifelong learners. This grant will allow me to bring meaningful, hands-on learning experiences into my classroom that may not otherwise be possible. At Cristo Rey Tampa High School, we believe that our students deserve access to the same high-quality academic opportunities as students anywhere, regardless of their circumstances. This support helps make that belief a reality. I am deeply grateful to NSHSS for investing not only in educators, but in the students we serve. Your generosity reminds teachers that our work matters and that we are not alone in our efforts to create opportunities for the next generation. Thank you for believing in educators and for helping us inspire students to be curious, confident, and courageous enough to pursue their potential. I look forward to putting this grant to work in my classroom and sharing that opportunity with my students."

"Thank you for this generous grant. Our district is suffering a major budget crisis and these funds will help my students not feel the brunt of this. Our class can still continue our amazing activities because of this grant!"

"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."