Norwegian Cruise Line has announced who will host its virtual Giving Joy Awards on Thursday, August 19.
16 year old entrepreneur, founder and CEO of Me & the Bees Lemonade Mikaila Ulmer will serve as the Master of Ceremonies for the event.
In honor of educators’ dedication and resilience over the past 16 months, the line relaunched its Norwegian’s Giving Joy campaign awarding 100 teachers with free cruises. Norwegian received thousands of nominations submitted by students, parents, and communities across North America.
The 100 winners from all over the United States and Canada were announced on July 12, 2021. In addition to the free week-long sailing, Norwegian Cruise Line is also awarding the grand prize winner a $25,000 donation to his or her school.
The second and third place winners will receive $15,000 and $10,000, respectively, for their schools.
As the host, Ulmer will have the honor of announcing the recipients of the donations during the livestream celebration. The ceremony will be open to the public and can be streamed live at NCLGivingJoyLivestreamEvent.com and on Facebook.
“Mikaila’s tenacious pursuit of knowledge, curiosity and enterprising attitude led to her launching her own company before she even turned five,” said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line. “We could not think of a better, more inspiring person to help us honor our 100 extraordinary educators and name our three incredible Grand Prize winners.”
When she was just four years old, Ulmer was stung by two bees in the same week. Her parents encouraged her to research bees instead of being upset with them, and she then discovered the important role bees play in the earth’s ecosystem and became determined to help them.
Using her Great Granny Helen’s flaxseed honey lemonade recipe, Ulmer launched her business from her home in Austin, Texas in 2009.
Today, the award-winning lemonade can be found on the shelves of major retailers across the country. Ulmer has also gone on to create her own foundation, called Healthy Hive Foundation, and released her first book entitled “Bee Fearless: Dream Like a Kid.”
“As I prepare to start my senior year and apply to college, I’m even more aware of the important role teachers play in students’ lives,” said Ulmer. “It gives me great joy to help recognize teachers for all the joy they bring to their students, schools and communities, and I so admire Norwegian Cruise Line for appreciating them in such a delightful way.”
To learn more about the 100 winners and their stories, click here.
During the livestream event, viewers will also get a preview of the offerings available on Norwegian Cruise Line’s ships, and enjoy a performance by “The Choir of Man.”
The event will start at 8 pm eastern time on Thursday, August 19, 2021.
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