Team Melissa / Difference Maker Shirt

#DifferenceMaker Showcase

The Difference Maker Award initiative began in 2019 as a way to honor Melissa ISD employees and community members who have made a significant impact at Melissa Schools. Each honoree receives a plaque and is recognized with a student-designed ornament on the Difference Makers tree. This digital showcase features all of our #DifferenceMaker honorees, along with their definition of "joy" or what they believe it means to be a Difference Maker.

"Difference Makers" was the 2019-2020 strategic vision at Melissa Schools.

The Difference Makers tree was proposed, designed, and built by Melissa High School art teacher, Ashley Fortune, over the course of three months. The tree fixture is made of welded rebar, linseed oil patina, and wire, and is affixed to the wall on the south end of the Melissa ISD board room, located at 1904 Cooper Street.

Difference Makers Tree

Difference Makers Tree

2025 Awardees

Johnny Hodge

Johnny Hodge

“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.”

Michael Venner

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

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

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."