Math teacher from Gander, N.L among winners in NCL’s “Giving Joy” campaign

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) has announced the winners of its fifth annual “Giving Joy” program, which recognizes North American teachers for their dedication and efforts, and a Canadian has made this year’s list.

Gander, N.L.-based Sheena Vatcher, a mathematics teacher at Gander Collegiate, is among 20 educators who have earned an opportunity to attend an exclusive two-night inaugural event on the new Norwegian Aqua in Boston from April 4 to 6, 2025.

Vatcher is the only Canadian educator to make this year's winners circle. According to a bio that was posted to NCL's website, Vatcher 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 of Gander.

“She is highly respected by her students and staff, she goes above and beyond in any way to help, and students rely on her daily for her leadership and guidance,” a statement reads. “Sheena has been teaching since 2002 and enjoys it now just as she did on her very first day. She is extremely dedicated and the students know they can count on her in any way.”

Among Norwegian’s top 20 winners are five Grand Prize winners (all U.S.-based teachers), who will also sail on Norwegian Aqua during her christening voyage in Miami from April 13 to 16, 2025. 

To see the complete winners list, click here. 

Giving Joy to educators

Since 2019, Norwegian’s Giving Joy program has awarded 270 educators across the U.S. and Canada with experiences of a lifetime aboard NCL ships.

“Giving Joy is a program near and dear to our hearts at Norwegian Cruise Line,” said David J. Herrera, president of Norwegian Cruise Line, in a statement. “It is an honour to congratulate the 20 incredible educators, who passionately serve their communities, with experiences on board Norwegian Aqua. These amazing teachers are shaping the future of the next generation, and I am thrilled to be able to showcase the brand new Norwegian Aqua with them; sharing the enrichments that bridge the connection between education and travel.”

Norwegian's 2024 Giving Joy month-long contest launched during this year’s Teacher Appreciation Week in May, garnering over thousands of votes with winners from Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Indiana, Kentucky, Michigan, Minnesota, New York, Ohio, Washington, and, with Vatcher’s win, Newfoundland, Canada.

The contest highlights “the connection between travel and education,” Norwegian says, celebrating and commemorating the commitment that teachers have to enlightening young minds.

Since 2019, the Giving Joy campaign has received more than 60,00 teacher nominations; more than 1.8 million votes; awarded over 270 educators with a cruise vacations; and donated upwards of $445,000 to teachers and their schools with the support from NCL's partners.

As part of the 2024 campaign prizing, roundtrip airfare is included for the winners and their guest, in-part by a donation from Coca-Cola, NCL’s beverage partner.

Earlier this summer, NCL debuted a year-round Teacher Cruise Discount, further extending its gratitude for the dedicated teacher community.

Now, all education professionals including active Classroom Teachers (PreK-12), Principals and Assistant Principals (PreK-12), School Employees (PreK-12) and College/University Professors, will receive a five percent discount off any NCL voyage from anywhere in the world, as well as a $50 onboard credit to enhance their vacation at sea.

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