RECOGNIZING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF OUTSTANDING EDUCATORS

"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!"

"I am grateful to NSHSS for awarding me this grant. With their support, I will be now be able to provide a better cross-cultural learning experience to students in my French classes. Without the support of NSHSS, I would not be able to make mastering a second language as authentic and meaningful for students as I now will. Thank you, NSHSS, for your generosity and support of teaching and learning."

"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 very grateful for this grant. I feel blessed to be able to do what I love, and love what I do! Music education is invaluable now, more than ever. I will continue my efforts to improve, enhance, promote, and grow, our Music Program."

"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!"

"The FHS Journalism & Newsletter Club, Sails & Stories, extends its heartfelt gratitude to the NSHSS Club Cash Grant for their generous support. With this grant, our students now have the exciting opportunity to pursue their passion for writing, giving them a platform to express their voices and share their perspectives. This support has been instrumental in establishing Sails & Stories this year, allowing students to engage meaningfully in journalism and develop their talents. Thank you for empowering our students and making this club possible!"

"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."

"I am incredibly honored to be a recipient of the NSHSS Inclusion Grant and deeply grateful for the support it provides in fostering an inclusive learning environment for my students. As an educator, my mission is to create opportunities where all students, regardless of their abilities, feel valued, supported, and empowered to succeed. This grant has allowed me to implement new strategies and resources that enhance engagement, accessibility, and learning experiences for my exceptional students. NSHSS’s commitment to recognizing educators who go above and beyond is truly inspiring. This recognition not only validates the hard work and dedication of teachers but also reinforces the importance of equity, diversity, and inclusion in education. I hope my story encourages fellow educators and students to continue striving for excellence, embracing challenges, and making a meaningful impact in their communities. Thank you, NSHSS, for investing in the future of education and for empowering teachers like me to shape a world where every student has the opportunity to thrive."

"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."