Freeman Selected as NHHSS Educator of the Year

The National Society of High School Scholars on Tuesday announced its selection of Helen Freeman among the 2020 Claes Nobel Educators of the Year Award recipients.  The award, named in honor the grandnephew of Alfred Nobel, is presented to exemplary educators who have demonstrated an outstanding and noteworthy commitment to preparing their students for success inside and outside of the classroom.

Freeman, who began teaching in 1985, has for the last 14 years has taught theater, speech, and debate at HHS. Since then, her speech team has blossomed into one of the premier programs in the state, and her award-winning theater program produces multiple shows per year.

Additionally, Freeman and colleague, Patti Shaver, have produced Huntington Outdoor Theater for 20 years. 

To be eligible for as Educator of the Year, candidates must be an NSHSS Educator of Distinction and currently be working within a public or private high school in the United States or abroad. NSHSS selects one $5,000 award winner and several $1,000 finalists in each of five categories: Principal of the Year, Counselor of the Year, Teacher of the Year, Band/Music Leader of the Year, and Coach of the Year.

“Each year it is difficult to select our winners out of hundreds of compelling applications,” said NSHSS Co-founder, James Lewis, NSHSS co-founder.

”This year’s candidates raised the bar to a new level we never could have imagined. These 20 individuals represent the finest in education, coaching, counseling, and support services and, each in their own way, have contributed to motivation, role modeling, and achievement.”

“We are honored to underscore their contributions,” he added.