Teacher from Nanaimo, B.C. among winners in NCL’s “Giving Joy” campaign

Norwegian Cruise Line has announced the winners of its annual Giving Joy Program, where 20 educators are awarded with a rejuvenating cruise for two, and with the top three Grand Prize winners receiving an exclusive invitation to sail aboard the soon-to-debut Norwegian Luna during her three-day christening voyage from Miami in spring 2026.

“At Norwegian Cruise Line, it’s our privilege to celebrate and honor the incredible educators who help shape the next generation,” said Harry Sommer, president and chief executive officer of Norwegian Cruise Line Holdings Ltd, in a press release.

“It’s been a pleasure to recognize these hardworking teachers with our annual recognition program, which celebrates educators’ excellence and unwavering dedication to their students and their commitment to bringing joy to the classroom.”

The program received over 700 submissions, culminating in the selection of winners from across the U.S., including California, Florida, Georgia, Illinois, Massachusetts, Missouri, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Texas, Virginia, Wisconsin, and British Columbia, Canada.

Meet Jacob Hardy of Dover Bay Secondary

This year’s Canadian winner is Jacob Hardy of Dover Bay Secondary in Nanaimo, BC.

As shared on Norwegians’ website, Jacob serves as both a dedicated Grade 4/5 teacher and the school’s vice principal, consistently going above and beyond to support his students and the broader school community.

This year, he faced a particularly challenging situation, inheriting a class midway through the year that had developed a reputation for disruptive behaviour. Rather than being daunted, he saw it as an opportunity to make a meaningful difference.

He introduced “Hardy Bux,” a creative classroom economy that rewards students for demonstrating the school’s four C’s—self-control, collaboration, communication, and commitment.

Students earn “bux” which can be exchanged for incentives like stickers, extra outdoor time, classroom movies, or treats.

This system has transformed the classroom culture, promoting self-regulation, teamwork, and responsibility in a way that is both engaging and educational.

Students who previously struggled with behaviour are now actively participating and encouraging their peers to make positive choices.

Beyond his classroom, Jacob excels in his role as vice principal and Chair of the Health and Safety Committee.

He supports staff and students alike, whether mentoring teachers, responding to school-wide behavioural challenges, or leading safety initiatives. His leadership is marked by calmness, compassion, and a steadfast commitment to creating a safe, inclusive, and well-organized learning environment.

Colleagues respect Jacob for his steady presence and creative approaches, frequently seeking his guidance on behaviour management and student engagement.

Parents, too, recognize the difference he has made in their children’s confidence and learning. Balancing a demanding dual role, Jacob has become a cornerstone of the school’s support system—someone who turns challenges into opportunities for growth, models empathy and innovation, and leaves a lasting impact on both students and staff.

“His ability to adapt and lead through challenge exemplifies both resilience and innovation, and his impact is felt throughout the entire school,” Norwegian writes.

Grand Prize winners

The top three Grand Prize winners, who will be one of the very first to experience NCL’s newest ship, Norwegian Luna, and the new amenities at Great Stirrup Cay, the company’s private island in the Bahamas, are:

• First Place: Joe Paneitz from Atascocita High School in Humble, Texas
• Second Place: Emily Banks from Mulberry Creek Elementary in Cataula, Ga.
• Third Place: Alexis Wellmaker from Dr. Maude A. Sanders Primary School in Peoria, Ill.

Additionally, as part of the campaign prize package, Coca-Cola, NCL’s official beverage partner, has donated roundtrip flights for each winner.

The Guy Harvey Foundation, a NCL partner and nonprofit organization committed to marine conservation and education, is also providing all 20 winning educators with access to their educational content and a complimentary virtual training session.

Inspired by the principles of Norwegian’s Giving Joy annual teacher recognition program, NCL partners have also contributed over $40,000 to date that will be donated to the school of the top three Grand Prize winners.

Since its launch in 2019, Norwegian's Giving Joy campaign has received nearly 62,000 teacher nominations, awarding nearly 300 deserving educators with a vacation of a lifetime. It has also donated over $550,000 to teachers and their schools with the support from NCL's valued partners.

In addition to the Giving Joy program, NCL continues to support educators year-round through its Teacher Cruise Discount which offers verified teachers and staff across the U.S. and Canada an exclusive year-round cruise fare discount and onboard credit.

With this discount, all education professionals, including active classroom teachers (PreK-12), principals and assistant principals (PreK-12), school employees (PreK-12) and college/university professors can enjoy a five percent discount off any NCL voyage from anywhere in the world, as well as a $50 onboard credit to enhance their cruise vacation.

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