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GUILFORD COUNTY — Dozens of middle schools students are getting recognized for their efforts to make a difference in their schools.

The Young Peacemaker Awards gives adults working with the students a chance to highlight important character traits. With the help of these young winners, officials are working to address bullying in schools.

“I can make a difference in someone's life. No one should have to face bullying, and the fact that they feel scared about just means the fact that they are not in a safe environment,” said New Garden Friends School 8th-Grader Maya Sowells.

It is an accomplishment that made Sowells a winner of the Young Peacemaker Award. She is one of six recipients. A nonprofit group called Win-Win Resolutions created it to highlight middle school students who accept others differences and help prevent bullying.

“It is those simple acts of kindness that have ripples that we can never know what kind of difference it makes but we know it does, make a positive difference,” said executive director of Win-Win Resolutions Debra Vigliano.

Organizers say this recognition really encourages students to continue making a difference.

“It's really going to help them go that extra mile and say yes, I am a peacemaker and I do want to make a difference in my school and I do want to help my peers who don't have friends who are being bullied and left out,” said Vigliano.

Teachers nominated 64 middle school students from across Guilford County. With the recommendation and an essay by the nominees, organizers chose six winners.