We received this report from Character Counts! Character Development Seminar graduate Angel Lanham, about recent goings-on in Evanston, Wyoming:

"Since our first training with Character Counts! nearly one year ago we have had many successes. Local elementary, middle and high schools are teaching Character Education. Our organization called Youth Opportunities Unlimited (YOU!), an after school program for grades 6-12 led by Grace Zolnosky, started the effort and it is spreading like wildfire.

Parenting is a tough job. Possibly the toughest job of your life. Imagine how much harder it becomes when you return wounded from active service. Simple things like picking your children up when they fall, helping them tie their shoe-laces, or simply being there for them become tougher than you believed possible.

The trauma of war remains long after the return home, impacting the lives of everyone involved. Physically and psychologically injured personnel face the prospect of months in rehabilitation, and family roles are constantly under pressure. Children wonder why their mommies or daddies have changed so much and why they are no longer like other parents. The pressure to carry on in the face of overwhelming adversity can crack even the happiest families.

While the physical and psychological needs of injured personnel are taken care of, this leads to more time away from their loved ones. Spouses may have to take on a new job to cope with the financial demands when the main breadwinner is unable to provide. Finding either the time or the money to be together as a family and focus on each other in a stress-free environment is often an impossibility.

CHARACTER COUNTS! spirit is off the charts as these young ladies rally in Farmington, New Mexico August 21 for U.S. Senator Pete Domenici!

One of our close contacts, teacher Mary Jo Enyeart of Downey USD, was honored Monday night by the Metropolitan Lodge of Downey Masonic Temple with their Community Leadership Award for her directorship of CHARACTER COUNTS! in the school district and community of Downey, CA.

"[Enyeart's] innate ability to connect with students of diverse backgrounds along with her tireless work ethic have influenced countless numbers of students into becoming respected and productive members of society," stated a representative of Downey USD. "During [her] 30-year career, Mary Jo Enyeart has also been a leader by example to countless new teachers, veteran teachers, support staff, and administrators alike."

Congratulations Mary Jo!

Mary Jo Enyeart with Downey USD Superintendent, Dr. Wendy Doty