Celebrating 20 Years of Academic Excellence: HMH’s Annual 180 Awards Recognize Inspiring Students and Educators

Celebrating Growth and Resilience in Education

In a remarkable event that highlights the power of perseverance in education, HMH has unveiled the recipients of its landmark 20th Annual 180 Awards. This prestigious recognition honors students and educators alike who exemplify growth, leadership, and commitment through the utilization of HMH's innovative intervention programs, Read 180 and Math 180.

This year, the 180 Awards are particularly poignant as they coincide with Teacher Appreciation Week, shining a light on the transformative role teachers play in fostering student achievement. With over 300 nominations received from 31 states, the awards underscore the varied journeys of student growth and educator impact across the nation. Among the nominees, 35% are multilingual learners, while 31% receive special education services—demonstrating the wide-reaching influence of the Read 180 and Math 180 programs in empowering all learners towards achieving measurable success.

Spotlight on the Award Winners

The 2026 student winners, spanning from elementary to high school, embody the spirit of resilience. Despite facing significant academic challenges early in their educational paths, many have dramatically improved their literacy and math skills. Their journeys are marked not only by academic achievements but also by boosted confidence and leadership abilities, with some students even mentoring peers and setting examples of what is achievable with proper support.

One inspiring voice among the student winners is Rafael D., a student from River Oaks Middle School in North Charleston, South Carolina. He expressed his own journey with Math 180, stating, "Math 180 is challenging but also a fun type of challenging. My advice to students in Math 180 Try your hardest, listen, ask for help, don't be afraid to ask, it is okay to get stuff wrong." His words resonate with the essence of the 180 Awards – that challenges can be transformed into opportunities with the right guidance and resources.

On the educator side, this year's honorees hail from various backgrounds, each united by a passion for impactful teaching and a commitment to nurturing academic success. Katie Vinroot, a Read 180 teacher at Bennett Middle School in Maryland, remarked on the significant differences she’s observed in her classroom, highlighting how the program equips struggling readers with essential support. "It gives struggling readers the support and structure they need to stay engaged, and I've seen their confidence and skills grow over time," she shared. This speaks volumes about the program's effectiveness in not just improving academic performance, but also in fostering a love for learning.

More Than Just Awards

Beyond celebrating individual achievements, the 180 Awards help cultivate a national community of educators and students committed to perseverance and effective instructional practices. The awards emphasize that strategic intervention can create lasting impacts in educational settings. It creates a ripple effect of hope and inspiration in classrooms across the country.

Following the announcement, HMH invites everyone to explore the complete list of 180 Awards winners and engage with their inspiring stories via their official website, hmhco.com/180-Awards. HMH remains dedicated to transforming the educational landscape, serving over 50 million students and 4 million educators globally, by integrating data-driven insights into tailored learning solutions.

As we acknowledge this milestone year for the 180 Awards, we are reminded of the significant role educators and students play in shaping a brighter, more equitable future for all learners. The journeys of award recipients offer compelling insights into what can be achieved when determination meets effective support.

For more on HMH, follow them on social platforms like LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube. Join in on the celebration of academic excellence, transformative teaching, and the ongoing commitment to nurturing every learner's potential.