NCL Announces ‘Giving Joy’ Winners

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) awarded 100 free cruises to 100 teachers across the U.S. and Canada, as well as thousands of dollars to the schools of the top three Grand Prize winners as part of the Norwegian’s Giving Joy campaign.

The month-long campaign — launched during National Teacher Appreciation Week, May 3 to May 7, 2021 — recognized deserving educators for their unwavering commitment to bringing joy to the classroom. To celebrate these incredible individuals, and their often-times undervalued profession, as well as kick off the start to a new school year, Norwegian Cruise Line hosted a livestream awards celebration hosted by teenage entrepreneur Mikaila Ulmer, founder and CEO of Me and the Bees Lemonade.

During the 45-minute virtual awards event, Ulmer highlighted the important role teachers around the world play in the lives of their students and communities and reinforced the power of travel and exploration as an immersive means of education.

The 2019 Giving Joy winners made a special appearance, delivering congratulatory messages to the 2021 award recipients and welcomed them into the NCL Giving Joy family.

Viewers were also treated to special performances by “The Choir of Man” cast aboard Norwegian Encore, the Company’s newest innovative ship currently sailing to Alaska.

To conclude the ceremony, Ulmer, unveiled the top three Grand Prize winners who received the most votes, awarding them with donations for their schools.

The Grand Prize winners are:

• Shyam Thakker from Redford Union School District in Redford, Mich. ($25,000)
• David Sowerby from Kraft Meadows Middle School in Caledonia, Mich. ($15,000)
• Ashley Steadman from Evans High School in Orlando, Fla. ($10,000)

Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line, said: “What better time to honor these dedicated educators than at the start of a new school year. Last year was an incredibly challenging time for so many, especially teachers, who hold such a significant role in our communities. We are proud to host this campaign for the second year and to award these education heroes with a well-deserved vacation. And a special congratulations to the Grand Prize winners Shyam, David and Ashley.”

All Norwegian’s Giving Joy campaign honorees received a free week-long cruise, which they have until the summer of 2023 to enjoy.

Sail on over to www.ncl.com for more.