Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) announced the 20 winners—including the five grand prize winners—of its Giving Joy program, an annual initiative that recognizes the work of US and Canadian educators.
David J. Herrera, NCL’s President, congratulated this year’s winners, mentioning their prize onboard the new Norwegian Aqua.
| “It is an honor to congratulate the 20 incredible educators, who passionately serve their communities, with experiences on board Norwegian Aqua. These amazing teachers are shaping the future of the next generation, and I am thrilled to be able to showcase the brand new Norwegian Aqua with them; sharing the enrichments that bridge the connection between education and travel.” |
All 20 winners are invited to the Aqua’s inaugural event in Boston from April 4 to 6, 2025. Meanwhile, Giving Joy’s five grand prize winners get the additional perk of joining the three-night christening voyage that leaves on April 13, 2025.
Here are 2024’s grand prize winners:
- Larry Knight Jr. from Stanton College Preparatory School (Jacksonville, Florida)
- Debra Golding from Westglades Middle School (Parkland, Florida)
- Shawn Miller from Loveland High School (Loveland, Ohio)
- Bradley Gardner from Franklin Central High School (Indianapolis, Indiana)
- Nancy Altimore from the City of Pembroke Pines Charter High School-Academic Village (Pembroke Pines, Florida)
According to the cruise line, this year’s 20 winners come from Washington, Ohio, New York, Minnesota, Michigan, Kentucky, Indiana, Illinois, Georgia, Florida, Connecticut, and Newfoundland, Canada.
Thanks to Coca-Cola, the cruise line’s beverage partner, the roundtrip airfare of the winners and their guests will also be free.
Each year, the public nominates teachers known for “giving joy” in the classroom. After a public vote, the educators with the highest tallies are declared the winners. In 2024, thousands of people responded to the invitation to cast their votes from May 6 to June 7.
Since 2019, Giving Joy has received more than 60,000 nominations and over 1.8 million votes. NCL has given away over 270 free cruises and donated over $445,000 to teachers and the schools they represent.
