Congratulations to Class of 2022 Senior, Hallie S. for receiving the 2021 Anne Frank Humanitarian Award given by the Florida Holocaust Museum. Hallie was awarded this honor virtually on October 5th by The Florida Holocaust Museum during the 20th Anniversary of the AFHA program.

Hallie is the epitome of a CDS Patriot, with a devotion to philanthropic efforts. Hallie has worked with the Southeastern Guide Dogs organization and has successfully raised a guide dog puppy to adulthood with vigorous training. Jewel, Hallie's puppy, was raised and trained for service for veterans dealing with PTSD, to be a guide dog for the visually impaired, to work with children who have autism, or gold star families, which requires a multi-layered approach to training. Hallie started working with Southeastern Guide Dogs and Jewel as her MYP Personal Project in her sophomore year and to date has over 2,000 hours of training with the organization. This not only speaks to Hallie's determination and work ethic, but her character to not just achieve a goal but to go above and beyond.

In addition to her dedication to guide dog training, Hallie also volunteers at her local church as an educator and mentor for elementary students. At CDS Hallie is a member of the Film Club, SLAP(T), Beta Club, American Sign Language Club, and is a CDS Ambassador. She truly embodies what it means to be a humanitarian.

This award recognizes humanitarian actions that better the lives of other individuals or a group. By “doing the right thing,” the recipients hold true to the nature and spirit of Anne Frank, who despite everything she endured, did not abandon her ideals. She wrote in her diary “in spite of everything I still believe that people are truly good at heart."

For 20 years, the Florida Holocaust Museum has presented the Anne Frank Humanitarian Award to one junior at each public high school and every major private school in Hillsborough, Pasco, Pinellas, Manatee, and Sarasota Counties. Thank you to CDS Interim Director of College Counseling, Drew Guarino for facilitating this award for Hallie S. and to the Florida Holocaust Museum for bestowing this incredible honor on such a deserving Patriot.