To emphasize the intersection of travel and education, Norwegian’s Giving Joy® program recognizes the extraordinary teachers who are continuously dedicated to “giving joy” in both their classrooms and communities. This year, NCL has continued the tradition of launching the contest in celebration of Teacher Appreciation Week in May. The contest ran from May 8 through June 9, 2023.
NCL welcomes the following 20 teachers to the Class of 2023 Giving Joy Winners! Friends, family, colleagues and students alike have shown their appreciation and support by voting for these top educators to win a free seven-day cruise for two. The top three grand prize winners will also join the christening sailing of the all-new Norwegian Viva, the second ship in the record-breaking Prima Class.
Since 2019, the Giving Joy program has awarded 250 educators across the U.S. and Canada with vacations of a lifetime.
GRAND PRIZE WINNERS
RYAN PRICE
Buckingham Collegiate Charter Academy | Vacaville, CA
Mr. Price is an amazing teacher. He takes time out of his day to make sure our class is enjoyable and that English is understandable. He makes sure we're comfortable in his class and works so hard just to be able to provide us with the top-tier education that we as Buckingham students thoroughly enjoy. He deserves a vacation and a rest from the difficult but rewarding life of a teacher, which is why I nominate Mr. Price for the cruise prize on a Norwegian Cruise Line ship.
Carolyn Reardon
James Otis Elementary School | Chicago, IL
Ms. Reardon is a fantastic music educator. Working in the Chicagoland area for over 7 years in general music band and orchestra, she takes programs that have nothing and makes them into ones that are highly sought-after. Her drive and dedication to her students are unparalleled. Ms. Reardon deserves the world for all that she does for her students. She creates a loving, compassionate, and inclusive space that encourages her students to become the creative souls they were meant to be. Ms. Reardon has worked so hard for 7 years. It's time for her efforts to be honored and a cruise would be the perfect gift to such an inspiring educator.
ANGELO MIRANTE
Lakewood High School | Arlington, WA
Ever since I was in 8th grade I knew I was put on this earth to be a teacher. Throughout my life, educators have always had an impact on me, especially when I needed it most. I wanted to be a teacher because I knew the impact and power they hold to inspire the youth and motivate students in the right direction. This is not a job or career; in my mind, this is my passion and this is what I love to do. I make students feel welcome in the classroom and I truly connect with each of them on one level or another. If they know I "see" them for who they are, they will succeed in my classroom. My classroom is full of movie, music and sport posters as well as posters that entail all genders and races of famous people. Students come into my class after I greet them every single day at the door with a handshake and a smile. I am playing music through my speakers and once class starts, the students are ready to share what they have accomplished or have done the past 24 hours since last time I saw them. The classroom community I build throughout the year, day in and day out, makes all students from all walks of life comfortable and happy to be here. This philosophy of mine makes them want to learn in my class and helps me build a relationship with them; otherwise, in my opinion, a teacher won't get anywhere with a student if no connection pursues.
TOP 20 Winners
Angelo Mirante
Lakewood High School
Arlington, WA
Every single day and every single class period Mr. Mirante stands at his door and greets his students with a handshake. His philosophy is simple: if he can...
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Ashanta Ruffin
Lakeland High School
Suffolk, VA
I've been a Chemistry teacher for the past 23 years, so I have experienced many things. I have come to realize that regardless of the change in times...
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Brian Campbell
St. Vincent - St. Mary High School
Akron, OH
Mr. Brian Campbell is celebrating his 25th year as the Band Director at Saint Vincent-Saint Mary High School in Akron OH. Over the years he has had a positive...
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Brian Flannery
Bridgewater-Raynham Regional High School
Bridgewater, MA
Mr. Flannery is a dedicated high school & middle school math educator of twelve years. During these years Mr. Flannery has made an incredible impact on his...
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Brianna Perez
Pine Crest Elementary School
Sanford, FL
Brianna Perez is a superb 5th grade teacher that genuinely cares for her students. She promotes her students growth as individuals and scholars both in the...
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Carol Breton
Escuela Elemental El Conquistador
Trujillo Alto, PR
My name is Carol Breton Felix and I enjoy seeing my students learning every day and having fun. I always plan my classes with the best interest of my students...
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Carolyn Reardon
James Otis Elementary School
Chicago, IL
Ms. Reardon is a fantastic music educator. Working in the Chicagoland area for over 7 years in general music band and orchestra, she takes programs that have...
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Craig Bren
Beverly High School
Beverly, MA
Mr. Bren is an all-around amazing person, a Military Vet charismatic teacher & always has a smile on his face. You can count on him for anything that you...
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Gabriela Colon
Deerwood Elementary School
Kissimmee, FL
Mrs. Colon is a 4th grade teacher in the Osceola school district. She has worked so hard this school year to meet the needs of all of her students and even...
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Hazar Biddle
Prince George's County Public School Online Campus
Temple Hills, MD
Hazar came to Maryland from Syria to join her extended family and earn a Master's degree in Educational Leadership. She then became an ESOL teacher in Prince...
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Jacqueline Torrero
Waters Edge Elementary at The School District of Palm Beach County
Boca Raton, FL
Ms. Jacqueline Torrero has been a Kindergarten teacher for 33 years. As her colleague and friend for the past 23 years, she has inspired me and others to be...
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Janet Smith
Karns Middle School
Knoxville, TN
Mrs. Smith is one of these people that does everything. She wears so many hats around the school; it's difficult to name all the things she does. While Mrs....
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Lauren Ruder
Indian Trace Elementary
Weston, FL
There’s nothing more relaxing than a cruise and nobody that deserves it more than a teacher! Third grade is a tough grade to teach and this year has been...
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Michael Smith
East Meadow School District
Westbury, NY
Mike Smith has been an American Sign Language Teacher and interpreter for 12 years. Throughout his tenure he has taught middle school, high school and college...
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Mikala Fils-Aime
George Washington Carver Elementary
Coral Gables, FL
Ms. Fils-Aime is a certified media specialist and was voted the 2023 Rookie Teacher of the Year by her peers at her school. Her dedication is unparalleled. She...
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Paul (P.J.) Battaglia
Westglades Middle School
Parkland, FL
P.J. Battaglia has been teaching 16 years in Broward County Public schools. P.J. has been at Westglades Middle for 16 years teaching Social Studies and...
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Ryan Bravata
Dutchtown High, Ascension Parish Schools
Geismar, LA
Mr. Bravata is an exceptional high school history teacher who fosters a spirit of curiosity and emphasizes critical skills. His passion for the subjects he...
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Ryan Price
Buckingham Collegiate Charter Academy
Vacaville, CA
Mr. Price is an amazing teacher. He takes time out of his day to make sure our class is enjoyable and that English is understandable. He makes sure we're...
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Samantha Alfred
Narcoossee Middle School
St. Cloud, FL
Samantha Alfred is an educator with over 25 years of commitment and dedication to her students. Ms. Alfred is an innovator developing unique programs to...
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Winsome Flynn
J.P. Taravella High
Coral Springs, FL
Mrs. Flynn is an awesome math teacher who challenges her students, but loves and cares for them tremendously. It would be great to have such a hard-working...
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