An award that honours United States educators is being made to a drama teacher who picks her high school's shows, builds the sets, hems the costumes - and nurtured many of the young people demanding change after the school shooting in Parkland, Florida.
Melody Herzfeld, the one-woman drama department at Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School, will be presented with the award this week.
"I'm overwhelmed," Herzfeld said. "But I hope that this award will remind everyone of how vital and important arts education is to our kids. Drama, music, art, creative writing - that's how you make good citizens."
Herzfeld saved 65 lives by barricading students into a classroom closet on Valentine's Day when police say a former student went on a rampage, killing 17 people.
She later cheered as many of her pupils led the nationwide movement for gun reform, including organising the March For Our Lives demonstration and charity single Shine.
