“I used to be a spoiled brat that had everything done for me. I blamed my handicapping condition for everything. Now, by concentrating on specific traits I've become more independent and mature. I've been putting these character traits into my life and they've been helping me grow as a person. Attention to the pillars have enabled me to take my mind off of my handicap and made me a productive member of my school community.”
So wrote Timothy Jones, one of the winning authors of the Joe Kordick Youth Character Awards held in Martin County, Florida. In its sixth year, the competition awards students from grades eight and twelve who have been nominated. This year nominations were open to public groups including churches and youth groups. To be eligible for nomination students must show an ongoing commitment that demonstrates any or all of the traits associated with the Six Pillars of Character. Nominated students are then invited to submit an essay detailing the undertakings which have demonstrated uncompromising integrity, community service and/or perseverance and inner strength which has allowed the student to overcome difficulties.
The late Joe Kordick founded the Awards, and was a driving force behind the implementation of CHARACTER COUNTS! in Martin County. His legacy has outlived him, and continues to thrive among the community of Martin County, where this year’s winners will take on the honor of becoming Character Ambassadors within their schools. Projects they will be involved in include peer mentoring through the offices of the guidance counselor, promoting voluntarism at school and community events, as well as maintaining involvement and commitment to their extra curricular activities that got them noticed in the first place.
The success of CHARACTER COUNTS! in Martin County comes from the dedication of those involved in maintaining it’s high profile. This year several new sponsors were involved in the event, the ceremony was held in the local technical college, enabling savings to be made on hiring a reception area, and light snacks were provided free of charge by a local supermarket. The whole community is involved in recognition of good character, of weaving into the fabric of their lives, and by giving the award nominees a chance to be rewarded for doing something good that benefits everyone.
Congratulations to this year’s winners: Karely Aguilar; Michael Alexander; Heather Bateman; Danielle Blakeslee; Lisa Bresson; Amanda Brown; Lauren Cavette; Derrick Edwards II; Lexi Gioseffi; Jessica Gutierrez; Emily Holland; Timothy Jones; Michael Li; Raquel Molina; Andrea Ramos; Jonathan Tobias.
