ABOVE: Michelle Schroeder, district outreach representative for Congressman Brad Finstad, hands Natalie Flaherty a certificate of congressional recognition on Thursday during the Anne Frank Tree Planting Ceremony at Fairmont High School.

FAIRMONT — It started with a girl and her mission to spread kindness. Now, an Anne Frank sapling has reached Fairmont High School grounds, also planting a seed for new beginnings in the community. The Performing Arts Center at Fairmont High School was filled wall to wall with students, school staff and community members to witness the Anne Frank Tree Planting Ceremony on Thursday afternoon.

“Truly, this event isn’t about one person. It’s about what happens when the kindness and courage of people grow into something lasting, like a sapling,” said Natalie Flaherty’s mother, Becky Flohrs, who opened the celebration. “We’re proud to be a living legacy of Anne Frank’s spirit, right here in Fairmont.”

Fairmont Elementary School Co-Principal Brian Grensteiner highlighted Flaherty’s impact on the community.

“[Natalie Flaherty is] a student who has taken a courageous and inspiring step forward in our collective journey in understanding, compassion and peace. She has worked with unshakable dedication to bring a symbol of hope to our school–a sapling from the Anne Frank tree.”

Two weeks prior, the tree was planted as a reminder of Anne Frank’s courage. According to Grensteiner, the tree represents resilience, truth and the power of young voices to shape a brighter future. He explained that Flaherty sparked conversation, encouraged reflection and inspired other individuals to advocate for human dignity. He told Flaherty her passion to stop hate, drive to improve the world, and commitment have emotionally moved the community.

United States Senate Senior Regional Outreach Director, on behalf of Senator Amy Klobuchar, who was unable to attend, read her letter. Klobuchar’s letter commended Flaherty for her dedication.

“Anne Frank’s tragic story is one we always keep in our hearts as we join Natalie Flaherty’s fight against hate. Fairmont has successfully secured its place amongst the most respected sites in America. This sapling is a living symbol of hope, resilience and remembrance,” Klobuchar wrote in her letter.

After Klobuchar’s indirect recognition, Kindness Club Secretary Citlali Olson, Student Council Representative Jaycie Grensteiner and Kindness Club Vice President Audrey Haugen came on stage and read excerpts from Anne Frank’s diary. The passages contained experiences of Anne Frank while in hiding. Flohrs remarked that the writings of Anne Frank can still speak volumes to people in the present day.

Jewish Community Relations Council Director of Holocaust Education Susie Greenberg and Executive Director Steve Hunegs expressed their gratitude to honor Anne Frank’s legacy and the chestnut tree. Greenberg additionally thanked the support of the Fairmont community and Flaherty for her efforts by educating and raising awareness of the ‘unchecked hate’ inflicted on the six million Jewish people during the Holocaust.

“We confront prejudice in all its forms and strive for a more inclusive and tolerant society,” Greenberg said.

The CEO of Anne Frank Center USA, Dr. Lauren Bairnsfather, thanked everyone from Fairmont for the warm welcome to the tree sapling. She explained it’s the mission of the Anne Frank Center USA to inspire youth to be changemakers.

“Being here, I can see how the young people are leading and the adults are supporting them. It’s the kind of community where change happens, and beautiful and positive things grow,” she stated.

Kindness Club President Natalie Flaherty shared Anne Frank’s history, Frank’s ideals and the significance of the tree sapling planted on Fairmont grounds. Flaherty explained in her writings, Frank dreamt of a better world. She found beauty in the world through the chestnut tree. Even though Frank didn’t live to see the world change for the good, her diary has reached millions and aims to inspire.

“This tree is here because of a simple but powerful idea, that we all have the power to stand up against hate. For the past few years, I’ve been sharing what Anne believed…that kindness and taking action can truly change the world,” Flaherty shared. “Planting this tree isn’t just about remembering the past, it’s about shaping the future. We all have a responsibility to help make the world a better place. The tree will grow, just like we will grow. It’ll stand tall, just like how we have to stand tall for what is right.”

Fairmont Mayor Lee Baarts proclaimed May 29, 2025 as Stand With Anne Day in Fairmont. He encourages residents to honor the day to unite the community with kindness and standing up against hatred. Following his message, he offered Flaherty his proclamation and Mayor’s coins.

Next, the Fairmont Elementary School Choir sang “Be A Light” by Thomas Rhett.

“An important thank you goes to everyone who could be here on this tremendous occasion,” said Superintendent Andy Traetow, “Our school’s vision statement has woven into it- inclusion and celebration of our differences-and this project aligns directly with those visionary statements. As we conclude today, we hope that when any of you walk or drive by the tree, remember what it symbolizes and the honor it establishes for students, community and the great opportunity to take action and make decisions to support one another, put an end to hate, to accept each other and celebrate kindness in every choice we make.”

Following the ceremony, spectators gathered outside the Fairmont High School to speak with presenters and gaze at the Anne Frank white horse chestnut sapling.