To highlight the intersection of travel and education, Norwegian’s Giving Joy® program recognizes extraordinary teachers for their unwavering commitment to “giving joy” in both their classrooms and communities. This year, in honor of Teacher Appreciation Week and in celebration of the program’s five-year anniversary, NCL re-launched the contest along with announcing the Company’s all-new Teacher Cruise Discount for educators across the United States and Canada. The contest ran from May 6 through June 7, 2024.
NCL is proud to welcome the following 20 teachers to the Class of 2024 Giving Joy Winners! Friends, family, colleagues and students alike have shown their appreciation and support by voting for these dedicated educators to win an exclusive invitation to attend the two-day inaugural event of Norwegian Aqua, NCL’s newest ship, in Boston. The top five grand prize winners will also join Norwegian Aqua’s three-night christening sailing from Miami.
Since 2019, the Giving Joy program has awarded 270 educators across the U.S. and Canada with experiences of a lifetime aboard NCL ships.
GRAND PRIZE WINNERS
LARRY KNIGHT JR.
Stanton College Preparatory School | Jacksonville, FL
When I entered Mr. Knight's class my freshman year I was scared. He had expectations for his students that I wasn't sure I could meet. I was nervous about high standards but the pressure allowed me to thrive. It awakened my ability to contribute to a professional environment. Seeing my potential, Mr. Knight offered me a position on my school newspaper as a writer. The environment in this classroom is unlike any other. It's a newsroom where students can refine their journalistic skills. Mr. Knight reviews their work, offering input prior to publication. He provides an outlet for students looking to showcase their creativity. Seeing their potential he helps them go out of their comfort zone to try new things. As a junior I strayed from my original interest in writing to explore graphic design. Though it was not easy, Mr. Knight facilitated this change offering assistance along the way. I could not think of a teacher or person more deserving of this opportunity. Without Mr. Knight I would not be who I am today. I would not have the confidence to speak publicly or pursue new interests. More than anything I wouldn't have my love for journalism and the drive Mr. Knight instilled in me since I entered Room 204 my freshman year.
DEBRA GOLDING
Westglades Middle School | Parkland, FL
Debra Golding has had a rough year as her husband passed away suddenly at the young age of 49. She is now a single mother raising a 14-year-old daughter. Living as a single mom on a teacher's salary is a challenge all on its own. During this tumultuous year Debra rarely missed any work and comes each day ready to be inspired with her students. Debra has been an Art teacher for 24 years and has been at Westglades Middle School in South Florida since 2006. She has a true passion for teaching art as she loves how students can express themselves with art. In 2018, Debra lost former students in the Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School shooting. During this time she organized for the artist Wyland to create a mural at our school in honor of the victims of Stoneman Douglas. Creating art helps Debra cope with the loss of her husband and former students. Winning this cruise would give Debra so much joy to her daughter and herself. She is most deserving!
SHAWN MILLER
Loveland High School | Loveland, OH
Shawn has been teaching choir, Showchoir and acappella for 28 years, tirelessly dedicating his time and energy into his programs. He has impacted so many young people's lives over all of the years and honestly never takes much time for himself. He is called upon in lots of different facets to help out at the Loveland district and literally works sun up to sundown every day! He is seriously dedicated to the students, parents and staff in many, many ways and deserves a break for himself! Please consider voting for/supporting this hardworking, talented and passionate educator spouse and father! It means more than you know! Thanks for your consideration!!
BRADLEY GARDNER
Franklin Central High School | Indianapolis, IN
Brad has been teaching at FC for 19 years. He has dedicated his life to making music accessible to as many kids in the school as possible. He is the director of the FC Singers nationally ranked show choir. He works endless hours to ensure that FC Singers feels like a safe place for all kids. He spends lots of time outside of school hours picking music selecting costumes and working with a creative team to plan out shows and arrangements. He cares deeply about his students and wants them to find success in the arts to help with their own future goals. Brad has a family that he supports and loves too! He works hard to be sure that all in his choral program and in his personal life get the attention they deserve.
NANCY ALTIMORE
Pembroke Pines Charter High School | Pembroke Pines, FL
Ms. Altimore has been teaching for 47 years. Yes, 47 years! She has been our English Department Head at PPCHS, a Class Sponsor for multiple classes, and a mentor to countless educators during her career. We depend on her experience, knowledge and exceedingly good nature to keep everyone at the Academic Village in good spirits and focused on empowering students for the possibilities of tomorrow!
TOP 20 Winners
Adam Cristo
Cypress Bay High School
Weston, Florida
Mr. Cristo is one of the most inspiring teachers I have ever had in my life. I have always hated Math, but Mr. Cristo makes it so much fun for everyone. Even...
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Bradley Gardner
Franklin Central High School
Indianapolis, IN
Brad has been teaching at FC for 19 years. He has dedicated his life to making music accessible to as many kids in the school as possible. He is the director...
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Cadacia Townsend
P.S. 118 Lorraine Hansberry
Hollis, NY
Inspiring little ones every day! Great teacher! Very friendly and...
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Deborah Pennachio
Deerfield Beach Elementary
Deerfield Beach, FL
First and foremost Debbie is beautiful inside and out. I was in her very first class when I was 6 years old. I am now 33 and can truly say I never had a...
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Debra Golding
Westglades Middle School
Parkland, FL
Debra Golding has had a rough year as her husband passed away suddenly at the young age of 49. She is now a single mother raising a 14-year-old daughter....
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Jean Magrino
Sandpiper Shores Elementary
Boca Raton, FL
I am thrilled to nominate Ms. Magrino for the opportunity to win a cruise through Norwegian's Giving Joy contest. She is not just any teacher; from my first...
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John Clifford
East Haven Academy
East Haven, CT
When I first found out about this contest one teacher immediately came to mind: Mr. Clifford. He is a dedicated teacher who goes above and beyond for our...
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Julia Benavides
Coral Gables Senior High
Coral Gables, FL
When I entered Mrs. Benavides' class my freshmen year I knew she wasn't just any teacher; she was special. Mrs. Benavides made me see literature in a new...
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Kayla Gallagher
Syracuse STEM at Blodgett
Syracuse, NY
Kayla has been a leader in her school promoting mental health and advocating for her students needs. As a School Psychologist she's had to lead two schools...
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Kelly Biernat
L'Anse Creuse Middle School North
Macomb, MI
I nominate an exceptional educator, Kelly Biernat, for this special opportunity aboard your newest ship Norwegian Aqua. Kelly is not just a teacher; she is a...
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Kelly DeMorett
East Ridge High School
Woodbury, MN
I am a high school orchestra teacher and staff advisor of our school's LGBTQ+ student organization; passionate about ensuring my classroom is a welcoming and...
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Larry Knight Jr.
Stanton College Preparatory School
Jacksonville, FL
When I entered Mr. Knight's class my freshman year I was scared. He had expectations for his students that I wasn't sure I could meet. I was nervous about high...
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Lianne Almagro Marrero
Coral Gables Senior High
Coral Gables, Florida
Ms. Almagro brings strong assets to her role as an Algebra 1 teacher. She is dedicated and hard-working. She understands the importance of math in the lives of...
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Nancy Altimore
Pembroke Pines Charter High School
Pembroke Pines, FL
Ms. Altimore has been teaching for 47 years. Yes, 47 years! She has been our English Department Head at PPCHS, a Class Sponsor for multiple classes, and a...
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Sarah Stair
Enumclaw Middle School
Enumclaw, WA
Mrs. Stair spent her entire summer last year helping other teachers to clear their Amazon wishlists! She raised thousands of dollars and assisted thousands of...
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Shawn Miller
Loveland High School
Loveland, OH
Shawn has been teaching choir, Showchoir and acappella for 28 years, tirelessly dedicating his time and energy into his programs. He has impacted so many young...
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Sheena Vatcher
Gander Collegiate
Gander, NL
Sheena has been a very dedicated mathematics teacher since 2002. Presently she is head of her math department at her high school, Gander Collegiate in the town...
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Skyler Greene
Hawthorn School District 73
Vernon Hills, IL
Born to teach - this is the way to describe Skye! There is no doubt that she exemplifies this phrase. In only her first year she's made such an impact on...
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Sylvester Boston
Stone Mill Elementary School
Stone Mountain, GA
Imagine a teacher who lights a fire in every student he meets from Kindergarten to High School. That's my husband, Mr. Boston! For nearly 25 years he's...
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Zachary Boone
Lincoln Elementary
Louisville, KY
Mr. Boone is an amazing dance educator at Lincoln Elementary school! It's his first year there and the kids just light up when it's their day to go to dance...
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