On April 21, the Institute for Character Development at Drake University recognized local CHARACTER COUNTS! role models for their work. The Des Moines Register reported that 14 individuals and organizations earned awards for exemplifying the Six Pillars of Character. These honorees were recognized in front of an audience of nearly 850 people at a banquet held in their honor.

An additional article in the Des Moines Register spotlighted Iowa’s Character Administrator Award, honoring Urbandale school district superintendent Greg Robinson. This strong commitment to the Six Pillars of Character led a selection committee of 43 volunteers to select Robinson over 14 other nominees. Robinson consistently demonstrates a passion for each of his student’s success, and he has become a role model to the community he impacts as an educator. Robinson accepted the award from former Governor Robert D. Ray.

A celebrity sports sighting at the Oregon Gymnastics Academy was not a mere strike of good luck. Kicker Josh Brown of the Seattle Seahawks visited local youth at the academy’s 27th anniversary celebration of “Healthy Kids Day.”

White Marsh Elementary in Trappe and Easton High School have both been awarded the Maryland Center for Character Education School of the Year in Talbot County for Outstanding Character Education Practices. White Marsh Elementary uses the Six Pillars of Character in outlining expectations and reinforcing behavior. The principal at Easton High School greets students every morning with a character message aired over the intercom, and all of the school's service projects are tied in with the Six Pillars of Character. Character education is also applied on the sports field; EHS received the Bayside Sportsmanship Award for the 2004-05 school year.

Staples has partnered with CCMS to assist with character development in the schools. At a recent Teacher Appreciation Day event, Staples presented teachers with tote bags filled with classroom supplies while CCMS provided information about the Six Pillars of Character. Local Staples employees demonstrate the Six Pillars on the job. This training session was provided by CCMS (see photo).

CCMS has joined a nationwide effort to promote the understanding of our National Anthem, “The Star Spangled Banner." Activities are taking place throughout the year including related topics for the Winners Walk Tall program.

A colorful postcard is a great way to promote your organization's CHARACTER COUNTS! event. This creative example was made by Linwood E. Howe Elementary to promote a CC! presentation featuring Michael Josephson.

The Las Cruces Public Schools and the City of Las Cruces Recreation Section Athletic Programs celebrate character with these imaginative banners.

Las Cruces Public Schools and the City of Las Cruces Recreation Section Athletic Programs have implemented CC! into various programs and promoted Pursuing Victory with Honor in the sports programs. Through their commitment to the Six Pillars and rules of sportsmanship, they have become a model of success for bridging the gap between the public schools and city government.

Student-athletes, coaches, athletic administrators, fans, and parents strive to be hardworking, prepared, persevering, empathetic, courageous, fair, and self-sacrificing team players. Claudia Chávez of the City of Las Cruces described their commitment as “win with honor, lose with grace, and strive through both to bring pride and respect to our schools, our sport, our teammates, our adversaries, and ourselves.”