5 Questions—Nhi Luu of Sovereign Avenue School
BY DANIEL WINNER AND CLYDE HUGHES | AC JosepH Media
ATLANTIC CITY — A kindergarten teacher for more than two decades and the founder of a well-known nonprofit dedicated to promoting Asian and multicultural understanding has received Exemplary Educator of the Year recognition this year from the New Jersey Department of Education.
Nhi Luu, a native of Vietnam who came to the United States with her family at the young age of 10, found her dream job as a kindergarten teacher at Sovereign Avenue School in Atlantic City.
Luu’s honor came from a program that focuses on elementary school teachers to foster an inspiring and positive learning environment that motivates students and makes a positive and lasting impact on students, colleagues, and the broader school community.
“I’m truly humbled and honored to receive the Exemplary Educator of the Year Award,” Luu told Front Runner New Jersey. “To be one of 160 recipients in New Jersey is an incredible surprise. I never expected to be recognized for doing what I love—teaching, helping students grow, and supporting our community.”
Luu thanked Principal, Ms. Nicole Williams for nominating her and said the honor is a reflection of the support she has received from the school community.
“I am deeply grateful and will continue to pour my heart into everything I do for my Sovereign Avenue family, students, parents, and our community,” she said.
5 Questions
1. What do you like about teaching at Sovereign School? What you to the education field and how long have you been teaching
Teaching at Sovereign Avenue feels like home. The support from our incredible administrators creates an environment where both staff and students can thrive. My colleagues are dedicated and go above and beyond for our students, and watching our students grow and achieve their milestones is a privilege I cherish every day.
Sovereign Avenue is a place where I can come to work with a smile and leave with the same joy. The school’s diversity and the collaborative spirit of our team make it a truly special community, and I am grateful for every moment I spend here.
As the advisor of the Sovereign Avenue School Asian Club for the past 20 years, I’ve had the honor of hosting our annual Asian New Year Festival at our school. This event, which draws over 300 guests, including teachers, students, families, and community members, features traditional lion dances, cultural performances and authentic Asian cuisine. It’s heartwarming to see former students return, some from as far as college, and retirees joining us, making the festival feel like a family reunion every year.
2. What led you to the education field and how long have you been teaching?
This year marks 21 years of teaching Kindergarten in Atlantic City, a path I never initially planned but one that has become my passion and purpose. Growing up in Atlantic City, I was inspired by incredible teachers who not only educated me but became mentors and felt like family.
After earning a degree in Psychology from Stockton University, a visit to one of my mentors at Brighton Avenue School changed my life. He introduced me to Ms. Medina Peyton, the principal at Brighton Avenue and later at Sovereign Avenue, who saw potential in me that I hadn’t recognized. Their belief in me led me to explore a career in education.
I began as a substitute teacher at Brighton Avenue, quickly realizing that this was where I truly belonged. I fell in love with the energy of the classroom and the opportunity to make a difference. With their support, I earned my teaching certification through the Alternative Route program and officially became part of the Atlantic City Public Schools family.
Looking back, I’m deeply grateful to those who believed in me when I didn’t believe in myself. For 21 years, I’ve had the privilege of guiding young minds, watching them grow, and learning from them. Every day, my students remind me why I chose this path, and that is the greatest reward.
3. Tell us a little bit about your family and growing up here.
I was born in Vietnam as a refugee of Chinese descent, arriving in America with my family on a crowded ship, guided by the hope of achieving the American Dream. Although we came with very little, the love, support, and strong work ethic my parents instilled in me were priceless gifts that shaped who I am today.
From a young age, I carried many responsibilities, acting as a bilingual translator for my family and caring for my younger brother while my parents worked long hours. These experiences taught me invaluable lessons about responsibility, gratitude, and perseverance—values that have guided me throughout my life.
My family moved to Atlantic City from Philadelphia when I was about 10 years old. I am a proud product of the Atlantic City public school system, attending Brighton Avenue School for elementary, Central Junior High, and Atlantic City High School.
Today, I feel incredibly blessed with a wonderful family. My husband, my high school sweetheart, and I both graduated from Atlantic City High School, and we’ve chosen to raise our children here in the city that became our home. Passing on the values of hard work, resilience, and dedication that were so important to us has been one of the most humbling and rewarding experiences of my life. Watching my children embrace these lessons reminds me of the strength of family and the power of the values we carry forward.
4. What activities are you involved in outside of school? Why are those important to you?
Throughout the years, my passion for promoting multicultural awareness and community connections has shaped much of my work and life. I’ve been fortunate to play an active role in organizing and participating in events like the Asian New Year Festival at Sovereign Avenue School, the Multicultural Festival at Reeds Road Elementary in Galloway, and various cultural celebrations, all of which have allowed me to highlight the beauty and richness of diverse cultures. My involvement has also extended to meaningful events such as the Richard Stockton University Multicultural Events, Chua Phat Tam Temple gatherings, Chelsea EDC Tinseltown Holiday celebrations, and the Atlanticare Asian Heritage Event. These experiences have given me the opportunity to connect with others, celebrate our shared compassion, and highlight the beauty of coming together as a community.
In addition to these efforts, I am proud to have founded Dynesty Alliance, Inc., a non-profit organization dedicated to promoting multicultural understanding. Through Dynesty Alliance, I aim to inspire the next generation by focusing on youth outreach, leadership, character development, and mutual respect. It’s my hope that through these efforts, we can build a stronger, more cohesive community in the Atlantic City community—one where cultural differences are not just accepted, but celebrated. This work feels incredibly personal to me, as it is rooted in the values of love, support, and connection that were instilled in me by my family growing up.
I’ve never really thought of myself as a role model. I see myself as someone simply doing my part to help the next generation grow with a deeper understanding of mutual respect, the importance of honoring their parents, and embracing the ethical values that guide us in life.
I recognize that representation within the Asian community can be limited, but I truly believe that one voice, one effort, can still make a meaningful difference. If my work has touched even one child or inspired someone to see the world with more kindness and respect, then I consider that a success. It’s not about changing the world all at once. It’s about planting seeds of hope and understanding, trusting that they will grow and spread in ways we may never fully see. For me, it’s never been about how much we have but the quality of the life we live such as how we treat others, how we connect, and the love and respect we share.
5. Anything else you’d like to share?
I want to take a moment to sincerely thank everyone who has supported and inspired me throughout my journey, especially my Asian Club and Dynesty Alliance kiddos. Watching these young leaders grow, starting with me at such a young age, then heading off to college, chasing their dreams, and stepping confidently into adulthood. It has been nothing short of amazing.
Being part of their lives and seeing their successes has been one of the greatest joys of my own journey. They will always hold a special place in my heart, as I hope I do in theirs. I often think of the Chinese proverb, “A child’s life is like a piece of paper on which every person leaves a mark.” To have left even a small mark on their lives,
and to have them leave such a significant one on mine, is a blessing I will always forever treasure.
The Exemplary Educator Recognition Program by the New Jersey Department of Education is a meaningful initiative designed to celebrate outstanding educators who make a significant impact in their classrooms and communities. Focusing on elementary school teachers for 2024, the program seeks to identify educators who:
- Exhibit strong expertise and effective teaching practices in their subject areas.
- Foster an inspiring and positive learning environment that motivates students.
- Make a positive and lasting impact on their students, colleagues, and the broader school community.
Eligibility: Nominees must have a current evaluation rating of Effective or Highly Effective and be actively contributing to their school community. Selected educators will receive a state certificate of recognition, with the potential for national recognition as well.
This program emphasizes the essential role teachers play in nurturing both the academic and personal development of students. It invites schools and communities to spotlight educators whose dedication and excellence set them apart as role models and leaders.
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