Difference Makers
The Anne Frank Tree Project is dedicated to acknowledging students and community members who voluntarily dedicate their time and talents in the spirit of understanding, equity, and social justice. We honor one student and one community member (or group) at our annual Difference Maker Dinner.
2025 Difference Makers’ Night: Friday, April 25th
Hope in Everyday Life
Join us for our annual Difference Makers' Night on April 25th at the Southern Cayuga High School. The event, entitled “Hope In Everyday Life” will feature a panel discussion about perseverance, strength, and hope in the face of adversity, and will include individuals with insight in the fields of recovery, mental health, and immigration.
6:00 pm COMMUNITY DINNER
Spaghetti dinner, soft drinks, and dessert
Southern Cayuga student art exhibit
7:00 pm COMMUNITY DINNER
“Hope in Everyday Life”
Hope through Recovery
Hope through Mental Health
Hope through Immigration
8:15 pm AWARDS
Southern Cayuga Difference Maker Awards
Admission is free, and the event is open to all who want to take part in it.
Past Difference Makers’ Honorees
2024
Community Member(s): Michele and Scott Shaw
Student: Celeste Herrera
2023
Community Member: Trudy Buxenbaum
Student(s): Katie Turek & Finn Turner
2019:
Community Member(s): Tom and Marilee Gunderson
Student: Catherine Kopp
2017:
Community Member(s): Richard and Kathy Burns
Student: Jesse Platt
2016:
Student: Sydney Hasenjager
2015:
Student: Emily Fedrizzi
2024 Difference Maker Award Recipients
L-R: Celeste Herrera, Michele Shaw, and Scott Shaw