(FAIRMONT) — A 12-year-old Fairmont girl has been named one of the 2026 Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes. Natalie Flaherty founded I Stand with Anne, an initiative inspired by Anne Frank that promotes Holocaust remembrance, compassion and standing against hate. Flaherty began the project at age eight after watching a Holocaust documentary and reading Anne Frank’s diary. She created bracelets that say, “I stand with Anne, put a stop to hate.” She has now distributed more than 100,000 bracelets across all 50 states and in more than 50 countries. In 2025, Flaherty also helped organize the planting of an Anne Frank tree in Fairmont. The tree is descended from the chestnut tree Anne Frank wrote about in her diary. The project also led to May 29 being declared “Stand with Anne Day.” The Barron Prize recognizes 25 young leaders each year for significant positive impacts on people, communities and the environment. Fifteen top winners receive 10-thousand dollars to support their service work or education.
