“Being a "Difference Maker" as a middle school coach and teacher means having a positive, lasting impact on your students' and athletes' lives, both inside and outside the classroom or on the basketball court. Key aspects of what it means to be a Difference Maker in this role: Leadership, Life skills, and Encouragement. Thus, it’s caring, consistent, and impactful presence in students' lives that helps shape who they become not only academically but athletically.”
![Team Melissa / Difference Maker Shirt](https://cmsv2-assets.apptegy.net/uploads/6356/file/347143/3cb0baec-4438-41f1-85fe-3064ce84cba5.jpeg)
2025 Awardees
![Johnny Hodge](https://cmsv2-assets.apptegy.net/uploads/6356/file/4168658/47155000-b706-4fd5-81a7-d1d733f19c2f.jpeg)
Johnny Hodge
![Michael Venner](https://cmsv2-assets.apptegy.net/uploads/6356/file/4217820/fead6bb5-4f04-434f-b26b-e400296904a2.jpeg)
Michael Venner
"Being a Difference Maker to me is helping others achieve the goals they have for themselves. Working hand-in-hand with a vast range of other parents, coaches, teachers, and students towards a common goal brings me the greatest joy. Cardinal Joy is helping all programs succeed!"
![Leighton Wilson](https://cmsv2-assets.apptegy.net/uploads/6356/file/3901484/db1c816b-efce-4eb9-8f94-08a1c98e3cab.jpeg)
Leighton Wilson
"Melissa is a family. A family and a team that supports your work and your everyday lives. I was Blessed to grow up here, and now I am blessed to work here while my own kids grow. I can not wait to see what the future holds."
![Zach Zaidle](https://cmsv2-assets.apptegy.net/uploads/6356/file/4193411/13a93318-e3f6-4631-a1b1-aaea98488dc3.jpeg)
Zach Zaidle
"As a school bus driver here in Melissa, I do my best to create a positive environment for the students while riding on the bus, with kindness and a smile at the beginning and end of each day. My goal is to build trust with the students and parents so that they know that my number one responsibility is the care and safety of their children."