The Character Development team distributed lanyards with six pillar words and colors to all teachers and staff. Each of the lanyards offered recipients words of thanks and praise. Teachers' lanyards were adorned with the phrase, "A teacher affects eternity, he can never tell where his influence stops," while staff lanyards said, "No one who achieves success does so without acknowledging the help of others. The wise and confident acknowledge this help with gratitude." Faculty members are now using their lanyards as tools for character education by simply pointing to the pillar word around their neck!

The Character Counts! kick-off assembly included entertainment by magician Richard Benninghoff of State College, Pennsylvania. While performing, Benninghoff spoke about the "magic" inside all human beings that leads to good character.

Donovan, Scotch and their team utilized the assembly to introduce the first district-wide service learning project of the year, a Penny Harvest. Each class identified a need in the community and wrote that need on a brick. At the end of the assembly students combined their bricks into a "wall of caring." Pennies harvested will go toward addressing the needs written on the wall.

The kick-off celebration also marked the launch of a community newsletter titled In Fort Edwards, Character Counts! The first edition was sent to all students' families.

Donovan expressed her gratitude to Character Counts! saying, "Our training and the support of the coalition has helped us to improve our Character Education program. We look forward to a year of continuing programs, activities and celebrations."

Good luck Fort Edward!