In recognition of the countless teachers who have spent the last 15 months giving their all to students across the United States and Canada during the global health crisis, Norwegian Cruise Line has announced the relaunch of its “Norwegian’s Giving Joy” contest.
About The Contest
The contest acknowledges the work of educators, and highlights the intersection between travel and education. “Norwegian’s Giving Joy” was first launched in 2019 with over 1.4 million votes for over 46,000 teachers and a total prize of over $100,000 for schools across North America. This year’s campaign will provide educators with the chance to take a free cruise and win up to $25,000 for their schools.
“Now more than ever, educators deserve our gratitude and so much more for their perseverance and unwavering commitment to inspire students every day,” said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line.
“With ‘Norwegian’s Giving Joy,’ we are able to help shed light on these everyday heroes and raise their spirits by awarding them with a long-overdue vacation to help show them the world, as they’ve helped shape so many of ours.”
The month-long campaign runs from May 3 to June 4, 2021. The line is asking for nominations of certified or accredited teachers in the U.S. and Canada who demonstrate a passion for bringing joy to the classroom, who relentlessly show up for their students — in person or virtually, — and who continue to motivate them every day.
The top 100 educators with the most votes will win a seven-night cruise for two on voyages embarking from the U.S. and Canada through summer 2023. The grand prize winner will be awarded with a $25,000 donation for his or her school, while the second and third place winners will receive a $15,000 and $10,000 donation, respectively, for their schools.
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A virtual award ceremony will take place in August 2021.
“We have all had a teacher that has impacted our lives and helped define who we are today,” said Sommer. “It is our responsibility to rally behind these incredible individuals and show them how grateful we truly are.”
What It Did For The Previous Winner’s School
Nicole Conlisk, educator at One World Middle School in the Bronx, New York, and the 2019 “Giving Joy” grand prize winner said “Norwegian Cruise Line recognizing what we do on a daily basis and sharing stories of how we each impact and inspire our students has brought awareness to the work we do as educators.”
The donation made by the cruise line and its partners provided the students of One World Middle School access to experiences including STEM curricula focused on mechanical, electrical, and chemical engineering; technology education; and an introduction to ballroom dancing.
Conlisk continued, “Through the support provided by NCL, we hope to continue the STEM program, while also expanding the educational opportunities with courses in architecture, criminal science, robotics, musical theater and other performing arts, in the next school year.”
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