The Holocaust Museum and Tolerance Center of Nassau County celebrated student leaders on Monday at the Up-Standers Awards Ceremony.

The event celebrated eight middle and high school students who are making a difference at home, the HTMC said.

Organizers say their hope is that more students decide to stand up for what they think is right, rather than be bystanders.

"Even if they don't get an award, they're passing the message onto their school to say, 'This is what I've done and you can do the same thing or even better than me,'” HMTC education committee chair Meris First said.

All proceeds from the event will help to fund educational programs at the museum.