#United States #Northfield Mount Hermon #Social Entrepreneurship #D.L. Moody Prize #Gill, Massachusetts

In a significant move towards acknowledging and promoting social entrepreneurship, Northfield Mount Hermon, a prominent independent school in Massachusetts, has announced the creation of the D.L. Moody Prize in Social Entrepreneurship. This prestigious award aims to recognize and honor exceptional individuals who display outstanding innovation and a passionate commitment to making a positive impact across the globe.

The D.L. Moody Prize will be awarded annually with a generous cash honorarium of $50,000, underscoring the school's dedication to fostering creativity and social change. The award is named after Dwight Lyman Moody, the school's founder, who was renowned for his vision of providing high-quality education that is accessible to all students, regardless of their background. Moody's legacy of service and commitment to the greater good plays a significant role in shaping Northfield Mount Hermon's mission, which seeks to engage the intellect, compassion, and talents of students to empower them in acting with humanity and purpose.

Brian Hargrove, the Head of School at Northfield Mount Hermon, emphasized the influence of D.L. Moody, stating, "He set an example known the world over. He called others into service and leadership in their communities and modeled the many ways we can bring about positive transformation through individual and collective action." This philosophy is evidently woven into the fabric of the school, aligning with the values that drive their educational endeavors.

The D.L. Moody Prize is made possible through the philanthropic support of NMH alumni Sam Calagione, a graduate of the Class of 1988, and Mariah Draper Calagione, from the Class of 1989. The Calagiones are known for founding Dogfish Head Brewing, where community partnerships and philanthropy are integral to their business philosophy. Sam Calagione remarked, "The NMH experience is centered around enhancing our students' capabilities to use their heads, their hearts, and hands to make the world a better place and create more opportunities for all our fellow humans." This sentiment underscores the spirit of the award and reflects the school's commitment to preparing students for impactful leadership.

Hargrove expressed deep appreciation to the Calagiones for funding the prize, stating, "In their business and personal lives, they model the values that have been at the heart of the NMH experience from our earliest days. This prize will serve to share our mission even more broadly and spotlight those who are using their creativity and entrepreneurial spirit to improve the world." This synergy between the school and its alumni embodies the collaborative effort required to engender social change.

Prize recipients will have the opportunity to engage with NMH students and faculty during their visit to campus, including participation in the Rhodes Fellowship Course in Social Entrepreneurship. This program encourages interaction, learning, and sharing of best practices among budding entrepreneurs, aiming to inspire the next generation of innovators who are passionate about making a difference.

The inaugural D.L. Moody Prize in Social Entrepreneurship will be awarded in 2027, with nominations currently being accepted until September 15. Those interested can submit nominations via the official NMH website at nmhschool.org/dl-moody-prize-nomination. As excitement builds around this initiative, it signals a new era of innovation and social responsibility spearheaded by Northfield Mount Hermon, fostering a culture where entrepreneurship thrives in the name of social good.