November 10, 2022 -- Columbus Alternative High School (CAHS) Principal Darryl Sanders was selected as a Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction by The National Society of High School Scholars (NSHSS). A role model to students, Sanders was nominated by senior Kevin Houston for outstanding dedication and commitment to excellence in the profession.
Each year, NSHSS students are invited to nominate an educator who contributed significantly to their academic careers. Not all educators nominated are selected for the Claes Nobel Educator of Distinction award. The honor recognizes exemplary educators whose passion and devotion inspire students to grow and develop as scholars, leaders, and citizens.
Here is what Houston wrote for Sanders’ nomination:
Mr. Sanders has always been someone that I can confide in and go to for tough, thought-provoking conversations. He has always motivated me to be my best in and out of the classroom. Mr. Sanders saw potential in me before I saw potential in myself and has given me many opportunities to embrace my talents. Mr. Sanders is an excellent leader and someone I look up to. Seeing someone who looks like me and understands my background be an image of success, from how he speaks to how he walks and dresses, has been pivotal to my high school success.
“I felt humbled and filled with joy to know that I made such an imprint on a young person,” Sanders said. “I was shocked – I didn’t know I was nominated until I received the nomination letter in the mail.”
Sanders describes Houston as a student with impeccable leadership and academic skills. He is proud to have watched Houston’s growth and success from a freshman to now in his senior year. Houston is a member of NSHSS and serves as chairman of the student leadership team.
As an Educator of Distinction, Sanders can access unique grant opportunities to attend professional conferences and pursue advanced degrees. He will also compete for the NSHSS Educator of the Year. Sanders holds himself to the highest standards, like his students and staff.
“Academics are paramount, and excellence is the CAHS standard,” Sanders said. “Students are accepted as they are and are celebrated for academic excellence. More than a third of our students are on the honor roll with a G.P.A. of 3.2 or better, and we have a 99% graduation rate.”
Sanders hopes his leadership will help young people maintain value, and meaningful connections to their school to make meaningful contributions to their community and the world.
“I hope to change the world one student at a time,” Sanders said.
