This year, to celebrate Teacher Appreciation Week, Norwegian Cruise Line launched its annual Giving Joy contest to honor educators and shine a bright light on the incredible dedication they demonstrate to shape young minds and support their community. Norwegian’s Giving Joy® program recognizes teachers who are committed to “giving joy” in their classroom and beyond.
NCL is proud to welcome the following 20 teachers to the Class of 2025 Giving Joy Winners! These inspiring educators were selected by a panel of NCL leaders and partners who stood out for their passion, the impact they have made and the challenges they have overcome. Winning teachers were awarded a free cruise, and the top three grand prize winners will sail on NCL’s newest ship, Norwegian Luna, during her exclusive christening sailing from Miami in Spring 2026.
Since 2019, the Giving Joy program has awarded nearly 300 teachers across the U.S. and Canada with experiences of a lifetime aboard NCL ships. Now, teachers and staff can win year-round with NCL’s Teacher Cruise Discount.
GRAND PRIZE WINNERS
Joe Paneitz
Atascocita High School | Humble, TX
When you talk about an educator who doesn’t just teach but transforms, you’re talking about Joe Paneitz. Joe isn’t content with textbooks and test scores — he’s building futures at 400 feet above ground level. As the founder of Aha Education and Iconic Drone Education, he’s created one of the most innovative drone training platforms in the country. But Joe’s real genius lies in the way he brings out the best in his students and fellow educators. He doesn’t just hand kids a drone and wish them luck. He trains them to become licensed pilots, entrepreneurs, and industry-ready professionals. One of his former students, Kaseen Burnett, started with zero flight experience and finished high school with a Part 107 license, scholarship offers, and a functioning drone business — all under Joe’s mentorship. Joe has this incredible ability to make young people believe in their potential, and then equips them with real-world tools to chase it. And Joe’s impact doesn’t stop with students. He’s trained hundreds of teachers across Texas and beyond, designing immersive PD camps where educators leave not just certified, but inspired. He built a drone competition modeled after warehouse automation and even launched a student-led drone news network. If that’s not going above and beyond, I don’t know what is. Joe Paneitz doesn’t just change lives — he elevates them.
Emily Banks
Mulberry Creek Elementary | Cataula, GA
Emily is an incredible blessing to everyone who knows her, especially the students she serves every day as a special education teacher in Harris County. Her heart for her students goes beyond the classroom—she sees their needs and works tirelessly to make sure they feel included, supported, and celebrated. Emily recognized that her students were often left out of traditional school events, so she took the initiative to create opportunities just for them. She started an adaptive field day and an adaptive softball team, both designed specifically for students with special needs. These programs give them a chance to experience the joy of sports, teamwork, and community in a way that meets their abilities and makes them feel like the stars they are. Her love and dedication shine through in everything she does. Emily is changing lives in Harris County, one student at a time.
Alexis Wellmaker
Dr. Maude A. Sanders Primary School | Peoria, IL
Alexis Wellmaker has spent 25 years shaping lives—not just through instruction, but through acts of love, advocacy, and dedication that extend far beyond the classroom. Her recent students showed 122% growth on their math assessments, a testament to her tireless effort and intentional teaching. But it’s the personal stories that reveal the true impact she’s had. She handcrafted personalized Christmas stockings to help each student feel seen during the holidays. She once bought a student new shoes when she noticed their only pair was worn and tattered. Year after year, she has used her own money to buy books, treats, supplies, and incentives, ensuring her students have the tools and motivation to thrive. Alexis has taught 1st through 4th grades, and many of her former students now lead successful lives as coaches, chefs, nurses, and educators, proudly crediting her as a major influence. She listens deeply to families, honoring their insight and responding with care that fosters real academic and personal growth. Beyond her classroom, Alexis spent years caring for our aging mother while still giving her all to her students—sacrificing starting a family of her own to be a stable, loving presence in the lives of others. Her students and peers have become her family. She embodies what it means to teach with heart, and her legacy endures in the lives she has helped shape.
