RECOGNIZING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF OUTSTANDING EDUCATORS

"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."

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

"I 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 chose to be a part of NSHSS after I was invited by one of my students because I wanted to live what I say. I always tell my students to go after every opportunity given to them because you may never know how it will turn out. Being a member of NSHSS has provided me with the opportunity to return to school to enhance my education so I can better serve my students."

"Receiving this grant from the National Society of High School Scholars is truly an honor and a powerful affirmation of the work we do as educators. It's not just the financial support, though that is incredibly appreciated, but the recognition that our dedication to students and their success matters. This award is a reminder that the passion we pour into our classrooms and communities resonates beyond the school walls. This grant will allow me to bring cutting-edge technology into my classroom and expand our community outreach programs while exposing my students to a world of endless possibilities. I'm excited to use these resources to further empower my students, providing them with the tools and experiences they need to become tomorrow's leaders and innovators. To the future scholars who are working tirelessly to make a difference: your efforts are seen and valued. Keep pushing boundaries, keep pursuing your passions, and never underestimate the impact you can have on the world. This award is a testament to the fact that hard work and dedication are recognized, and they pave the way for a brighter future. Thank you, NSHSS, for investing in educators and inspiring the next generation of scholars"

"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!"

"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."

"NSHSS is incredible. They are at the forefront of supporting schools, students, and educators. Having a group that truly cares about equity and access for students to achieve is praiseworthy in a world where people don't always see the value in education."

"This is the first time I have applied for a grant through NSHSS and I have to share my appreciation for their willingness to help me to help my students and players. The application process was fairly easy, and I am so grateful for the NSHSS."