Scholar's Day in D.C. 2022

NSHSS members, families, educators, and partners were invited to come and be honored at the Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center in Washington, D.C. on Friday, August 5 & Saturday, August 6, 2022. This year we had almost 1,300 students and family members in attendance!!

This two-day educational conference featured several educational workshops, a college and career fair, and countless networking opportunities. At Scholar's Day, NSHSS families had a chance to learn more about all of the benefits of NSHSS membership including $2.5 million in scholarship opportunities yearly, access to an extensive network of university, educational, corporate, and government partners, and, of course, the lifetime network of fellow NSHSS members. This prestigious event was a celebration of academic excellence, where each member in attendance was honored for their academic achievement!

August 5-6, 2022
Gaylord National Resort & Convention Center, Washington, D.C.
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  • American Dental Education Association
  • American Foreign Service Association
  • America's Navy
  • American Physical Therapy Association
  • Applerouth Tutoring
  • Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)
  • CollegeAdvisor.com
  • Fashion Institute of Design & Merchandising (FIDM)
  • Florida Agricultural & Mechanical University
  • George Mason University School of Business
  • Glenville State University
  • Goldey-Beacom College
  • Hampton University
  • Hood College
  • Liberty University
  • Lightwork Publishing LLC
  • Lion's Heart Teen Volunteers & Leaders
  • Manhattan College
  • Marshall University
  • Monash University
  • NewU University
  • Old Dominion University
  • Outward Bound Costa Rica
  • The Princeton Review
  • Randolph College
  • Sallie Mae
  • Savannah College of Art & Design (SCAD)
  • St. Jude Children's Research Hospital
  • Summer Health Professions Education Program
  • Trinity Washington University
  • UC Berkeley Summer Sessions & Study Abroad
  • International Dual Degree Programs & Pre-College Summer Programs
  • University of Maryland Eastern Shore
  • University of Queensland
  • U.S. Army ROTC
  • Vaughn College of Aeronautics and Technology
  • Washington Adventist University!

Thank you to our event sponsors for helping us put on such a great event!

Event agenda recap

  • 1:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Check-in & Onsite Registration
  • 1:30 PM - 5:00 PM: College & Career Fair

    Students were able to meet and explore opportunities with corporate, educational, and government leaders from renowned organizations and universities from around the globe.
  • 1:30 PM - 7:00 PM: NSHSS Pop Up Store

  • 4:00 PM – 5:00 PM: Welcome Reception

    Attendees enjoyed light hors d’oeuvres and networking with other NSHSS members and educators.

  • 4:30 PM – 5:00 PM: Marvillous Beats Performance

    Featured Performance by Marvillous Beats -Marvillous Beats is a Bronx, New York-born violinist, composer, actor, and audio engineer. He has produced songs for professional recording artists and has performed live with Every Blue Moon’s recording artist and D.C. native, Wale. He has also performed with RCA recording artist Goldlink on NPR Tiny Desk and 86 America’s Light Show. You won’t want to miss his amazing performance.

  • 5:00 PM – 7:00 PM: Opening Address & General Sessions

    Scholar’s Day D.C. 2022 kicked off with a welcome message from NSHSS President and Co-Founder Mr. James Lewis, followed by opening sessions, event announcements and more. Opening sessions were:

    Scholarships and College Admissions Presentation - U.S. Army ROTC

    Starting Early to Stand Out: College Admissions Success in 2022 - CollegeAdvisor.com

  • 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM: NSHSS Member Party

    NSHSS members gathered for a casual welcome party featuring DJ Sir Drew. They enjoyed an ice cream bar and took a moment to make some new connections!

  • 7:00 PM – 8:00 PM: Parent Meet & Greet with CollegeAdvisor.com

    Following the Welcome Reception, students headed to their member party, parents are invited to a “Meet & Greet” with the CollegeAdvisor team. You have college admissions questions? CollegeAdvisor.com has the answers. Their experts from top universities will be on hand to answer all of your college prep questions and share insider knowledge.

  • 7:00 AM - 3:00 PM: Check-in & Onsite Registration
  • 8:00-9:00 AM: Networking Breakfast

    Attendees were greeted with coffee and a continental breakfast!
  • 8:00 AM - 2:00 PM: College and Career Fair

    Students were able to meet and explore opportunities with corporate, educational, and government leaders from renowned organizations and universities from around the globe.

  • 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM: NSHSS Pop Up Store

    We sold out of NSHSS swag!

  • 9:15 AM – 10:00 AM: Future Focused Panel

    Panelists include: U.S. Army, CIA, Carhartt, and Association of American Medical Colleges

    Attendees heard from multiple well-respected professionals about what they are looking for from the next generation workforce and how to build important skills to be prepared to make the transition from academic success to career achievement.

  • 10:15 AM - 11:00 AM: Breakout Sessions

    Multiple workshops offerings were hosted by NSHSS partners. Attendees had the option to choose between educational workshops based on their interests.

    1. Resume Writing Workshop

      Facilitator: Central Intelligence Agency (CIA)

      This resume writing workshop will demonstrate how to craft a resume for a specific job opportunity. It will also provide tips & tricks on up-to-date styles and include how to craft a resume with no official job experience by accenting volunteer and student activities.

    2. Creationeering ™: 21st Century Engineering

      Facilitator: Dr. Mark Horstemeyer, Liberty University

      Creationeering (TM) is a term that Dr. Mark Horstemeyer branded for Liberty University, which intends to convolve engineering and entrepreneurship to create technology businesses.

    3. Scholarships, Engineering and STEM Careers in the Navy

      Presented by: BMC Stephanie N. Williams, America’s Navy

      The most powerful high-tech fleet of aircraft, ships, and equipment in the world need the most powerful minds behind them. If you’ve ever dreamed of working on the most advanced military projects in history, the opportunity to become an engineer in the Navy awaits.

  • 11:15 AM - 12:00 PM: Breakout Sessions

    Multiple workshops offerings were hosted by NSHSS partners. Attendees had the option to choose between educational workshops based on their interests.

    1. College Transition 101 – for Parents Only

      Presented by: Ms. Eve Montavon, NSHSS Educator of Distinction, 2020

      Are YOU ready for the changes in your role as a parent as your student moves from high school to college? Learn tips to prepare your student to be successful in college. Engage in a discussion about how you can be a great college parent. How does your role change from “protector” to “cheerleader,” “coach,” and “advisor” as you support your student to successfully transition into adulthood?

    2. CIA Corporate Student Programs

      Facilitator: Maggie C., CIA

      CIA representative will present on CIA and the student programs. CIA has a multitude of student opportunities. Discussions will include internships, scholarships, and tips on how to prepare to apply. We will also discuss the application process and requirements.

    3. Savannah College of Art and Design Presentation

      Presented by: Aimee Dolich, SCAD

      Discover new levels of opportunity at this SCAD information session.

    4. The Top 6 Reasons to Attend an HBCU and FAMU!

      Presented by: Mr. Hugh Nathaniel Durham, Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University

      There are several great reasons to apply to attend an HBCU. They’re competitive institutions with long histories of academic excellence, societal impact, and influential alumni - including Oprah Winfrey, Will Packer, and Vice President Kamala Harris.

  • 12:00 PM - 1:30 PM: Lunch Break
  • 2:00 PM - 2:45 PM: Tips & Tricks from NSHSS Scholarship Winners

    Attendees heard from multiple NSHSS scholarship winners on how they made their applications stand out from the rest of the applicant pool and provided valuable tips on showcasing academic and community accomplishments.

  • 3:00 PM - 4:00 PM: Closing Keynote Address

    Attendees heard final thoughts of inspiration from closing speaker, Juan Bendaña, renowned speaker, author, and DJ ! Interested in how you can acquire better habits, boost productivity, and optimize your life? Through Juan’s message of Engagement & Action, he creates an environment that makes 50,000+ students, parents, and educators alike feel inspired and excited about engaging with their schools and communities each year.

  • 4:00 PM - 6:00 PM: Awards & Member Recognition Ceremony

    Educators of Distinction and scholarship recipients were awarded, and members heard congratulatory remarks and received their own NSHSS honor medallion for their academic achievements.

Keynote Speaker: Juan Bendaña

JUAN BENDAÑA IS ON A MISSION TO HELP STUDENTS LIVE EPIC LIVES THROUGH MAKING BETTER DECISIONS & DISCOVERING THEIR LEADERSHIP ABILITIES.

Juan Bendaña is a renowned speaker, author, and DJ who speaks on high school & University campuses as well as conferences internationally. He speaks to 50,000+ students, educators, and parents across Canada & the United States every year.

He is the Founder of The 100 Day Playbook, a guided Journal that helps students build better habits, boost productivity, & optimize their life. He has partnered with major organizations such as Sony Pictures and helps brands connect with students in meaningful ways.

Through his message of Engagement & Action, Juan creates an environment that makes students, parents, and educators feel inspired, influential, and engaged. Juan gets students excited about engaging with their schools & communities. He uses storytelling, humor & LIVE DJing to highlight a message of Engagement, Leadership, & Decision Making that resonates with every audience member. Every year, Juan Keynotes annual conferences, orientation events, & student assemblies that bring him to over 50 cities across Canada & the United States. Juan brings a new energy to school campuses and conferences. His message has a lasting impact that sticks with students far beyond the speech.

He is a former snowboard instructor, sushi expert, and can recite every word of the Lion King.

Headshot Juan Bendaña