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.