RECOGNIZING THE ACHIEVEMENTS OF OUTSTANDING EDUCATORS

"I am deeply honored to receive this grant from NSHSS. This support not only validates the importance of our work in promoting mental health and well-being in schools but also empowers us to continue making a positive impact. Working with students, especially in areas like mindfulness, autism acceptance, and social skills development, has been incredibly rewarding. Collaborating with colleagues and providing training for staff and parents are crucial steps in creating an inclusive and supportive educational environment. I hope my journey inspires other educators and students to pursue their passions and strive for excellence. Together, we can make a meaningful difference in the lives of our students and the broader community."

"Working with NSHSS has empowered me to be a creative and compassionate teacher. As an educator, it can feel like I'm always trying to perform an infinite number of miracles with a finite supply of loaves and fishes. The grant I received this year from NSHSS has quickly been converted into a garden for our environmental science elective targeted towards kids with learning disabilities. For this and so much more, I would like to give a heartfelt thanks to the people and organizations that made this possible. Let's keep the miracles flowing!"

"I have witnessed amazing collaborations and projects across the curriculum in my time here, and none of them would be possible without the use of the resources and materials I offer to students and staff. In these stressful and turbulent times, my Fab Lab is a haven to so many, who want to create amazing projects and express themselves creatively. It is a “no-judgement zone”, and a safe space in which all students feel comfortable being themselves and learning and growing in their own way as they travel down their individual paths in life. I provide solace and a chance for my patrons to search for and find new hobbies, and pursue their goals and dreams. I have helped several students who have started their own businesses make merchandise and promotional items to advertise and gain more clientele. I have provided teachers options to assess student learning by offering them unconventional methods to create and show their understanding and mastery of skills. I open my library to our feeder high schools’ Special Education departments in which students who do not qualify to take higher-level classes here in our Center for Advanced Studies to utilize these wonderful resources. I have worked one-on-one with several of these students to help them create projects with resources they normally would not have access to in their programs. The funds this grant would provide would allow me to buy so much to keep the Fab Lab functioning as a free resource for all who wish to utilize it."

"This has been a wonderful opportunity and I am so grateful for being able to get a grant. It reminds me of why I do what I do!"

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

"I am a music and theater teacher in Fredonia, Kansas. I applied for the NSHSS School Supply Grant to help with the cost of our theater costumes for the musical production of “Beauty and the Beast” that we put on this year. With the grant money I received, we could rent specific costumes for our show, including costumes for the characters Belle, Cogsworth, Lumiere, The Beast, the Wardrobe, and Chip. With the support I received from NSHSS, I could devote more time and money to all aspects of the show, earning our students several nominations for state-wide awards. Thank you for supporting the arts and Fredonia High School!"

"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!"

"I am beyond grateful to NSHSS for awarding me the Diversity, Equity and Inclusion grant. This grant is an incredible support for my Theatre program and will make a meaningful impact in the lives of my students. Thank you NSHSS for your commitment to arts education and for believing in the power of theatre to transform lives. I can't wait to put this grant to work at the Texas Thespian festival and I look forward to sharing the results of your investment with our community."

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