Five students, a professional association, a government entity and a nonprofit agency were honored at the fifth annual Vision of Character Awards Banquet at Hood College's Whitaker Campus Center in Frederick County. A Character Counts Council reviewed numerous nominations to select this year's honorees.

The awards are a reflection of the year round CC! efforts in Frederick County. This year's organizational winners -- the Bar Association of Frederick County, Frederick County Public Schools, and Volunteer Frederick -- are among the many community supporters of the region's character education efforts. 

Students honored during the CC! Week ceremony speak to the impact of CC! in the community. Walkersville High School senior Emily Monlar told The Frederick News-Post, “The program is significant because it shows you how to interact with your community and peers at school – the respect you show your peers and the service you give to the community. The values are essential later in life…CHARACTER COUNTS! builds the foundation for adulthood.