NEW YORK, NY: The Anne Frank Center USA will hold its 13th Annual Spirit of Anne Frank Awards on Monday, June 15, 2009, commemorating Anne Frank’s 80th birthday on June 12 and the 50th anniversary of the release of the film “The Diary of Anne Frank” in 1959. Twentieth Century Fox Home Entertainment will mark the occasion by issuing a 50th Anniversary DVD/Blu-ray of the Academy Award-winning film. The gala event, held at the Pierre Hotel in New York City, includes a reception, silent auction, dinner and awards ceremony. The awards recognize worthy students, educators and citizens who work to promote understanding, equality, and mutual respect among diverse groups.

Honorees include George Stevens Jr., who worked on the 1959 film “Diary of Anne Frank” with his father George Stevens. Mr. Stevens Jr. is honored for his commitment to making films that raise social consciousness and examine human values.

A $10,000 scholarship will be awarded to Sejal Hathi, a graduating senior at Notre Dame High School, Freemont, CA. Spirit of Anne Frank Educator Award recipients are Richard B. Jones, Principal, North Farmington High School, Farmington Hills, MI and Timothy J. Salem Assistant Principal, Danbury High School, Danbury, CT. Also receiving an Educator Award is Jesse Schmitt, a fifth grade teacher at Monrovia Elementary School, Huntsville, AL. The Outstanding Student Award goes to Tara Suri, a graduating senior at Edgemont Junior-Senior High School, Scarsdale, NY. The Outstanding Citizen Award will be given to Ellen J. Kennedy, Ph. D., Interim Director of the Center for Holocaust and Genocide Studies at the University of Minnesota.

Honorary guests include actress Millie Perkins, who played Anne Frank in the 1959 movie production, as well as Diane Baker, who played Anne’s older sister Margot.

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The Spirit of Anne Frank Awards, with music by The Jazz Museum in Harlem All Stars, begins at 6 p.m., Monday, June 15, 2009, at The Pierre Hotel, 2 East 61 Street (between Fifth and Madison avenues), New York City.

The Anne Frank Center USA, a partner organization of the Anne Frank House, uses the diary and spirit of Anne Frank as unique tools to advance her legacy, to educate young people and communities about the consequences of intolerance, racism and discrimination, and to inspire the next generation to build a world based on mutual respect.

Tickets to the Gala Event may be purchased online at www.annefrank.com or by contacting Sandra Kulhay, Anne Frank Center, 38 Crosby Street, New York, NY 10013. email:   skulhay@annefrank.com; phone: 212.431.7993 ext. 307.