The number one Difference Maker on our campus this year goes to Michael Rozowski. He is a junior who reached out as a student leader during our four day diversity conference where he served as a counselor 24/7 for a group of 10th grade students in small and large group discussions regarding prejudice, stereotyping, disabilities, and communication with families and peers. He also led a group of mentors for the 9th graders to ease their transition into high school. Michael is good at building bridges between groups on campus and finding ways to get students involved. He was the organizer for an event called ...

Timbercrest is filled with thoughtful and kind students. Our school community has many students who make a difference in the lives of their fellow students. Sometimes, though, there is one student who exemplifies the idea of “being the difference”. Nathan Dayton is one of those students. Nathan is a quiet leader. He leads by quiet and consistent example. His willingness to help others, regardless of grade level or circle of friends makes him stand out among his peers. It is this quiet consistency that inspired many of his fellow students to nominate him ...

Henry Clay Middle School is proud to nominate Jamellah F. Muhammad for our TEEN TRUTH Difference Maker Award. In a nut shell, this student on numerous occasions has prevented fights on our campus. She is well respected by students and staff members. Our school has a serious problem with fights, gangs, violence and various other issues. Jamellah has exemplified the ideal student as one that defuses situations that can become serious problems on our campus. She makes a huge difference on our campus and is ideal for this award.

Christian was selected by the Junior High School faculty and administration. The award was presented in an all-school assembly and he received a standing ovation from students, parents, and staff. Our Difference Maker, Christian Barrios, has impacted our school and community for eight years. He is a 7th grader who, although not the visible leader or the obvious choice as the most popular junior high student, quietly goes about making our school a safe, nurturing place to be. Our Difference Maker accepts each person he meets for who he or she is, not who he would like them to be. ...

Adnan Hamwi is a junior here at Monta Vista High School. I have known him since he was a freshman. His positive attitude and acts of kindness have increased over the years. He continually trains his mind to be more compassionate and caring. Adnan has been in the Scouts since he was 5 years old and is currently working on his Eagle Scout. He definitely embodies the Scout Law, especially kind, cheerful, courteous, friendly, helpful, and trustworthy. He trains younger Scouts and has helped the elderly at a retirement home. He has attended our Challenge Day program three times; twice ...

Schuylar Permann (Sky) is a valuable member of La Mesa's Safe School Ambassador's Team. She consistently helps students who are new to our school by including them in activities that she and her other friends are doing. She is the type of person who shows kindness towards everyone regardless of who they are. She also is a member of La Mesa's Bully Prevention Club and has been involved with doing presentations to in-coming 7th graders. Mr. Paterson, La Mesa's bully prevention coordinator, relies on her to help keep the campus safe. She has been given ...

During the 2008-2009 school year, Thomas had many problems for which he was sent to the discipline office during his freshman year in high school. He suffered some fairly severe consequences due to some inappropriate choices he made. At the end of the school year, Thomas told our discipline office that he was going to change. True to his word, Thomas has been in the discipline office rarely during the 2009-10 school year ! He has been on time to his classes regularly and his behavior has been exceptional. To top this change off, he recently ...

A Link Leader, the secretary of the Best Buddies program, and a phenomenal student, Amanda Hariri is the essence of what we want our young people to aspire to be.  She takes action where she sees a need, she treats others with compassion and kindness, and she truly makes every classroom safe and welcoming to all students.  From spearheading the push to make 250 pumpkin pies for holiday baskets, to encouraging others to treat special needs students with respect, Amanda does more than talk; she chooses to lead with her actions.  Her vision for better school, a better community, and ...

Eighth grader James Brockhaus is a quiet difference maker at Humphrey St. Francis schools. He is always respectful to his teachers and peers. James can be “caught” complimenting other students, volunteering to help, or simply taking the initiative to assist others. James’ quiet demeanor may convey to others a lack of confidence, however, he is quick to defend others, stand up for the truth, and willing to help right wrongs. He has a good sense of humor and always has something nice to say

It is without reservation that I recommend Macey Gronenthal for the TEEN TRUTH Difference Maker Award. I have had the pleasure of knowing Macey for three years, as her science teacher. From the start, what has impressed me most about Macey is her ability to be friends with anyone and to include all members of her class, no matter who they are. In formal situations like lab groups, Macey is able to work well with anyone I pair her with. More importantly, in informal situations before and after class and around school, I observe Macey including ...