On January 18, 2008, CHARACTER COUNTS! Of Madison County joined forces with Anderson Community Schools (ACS), Anderson University, and the City of Anderson, Indiana to honor the memory of Dr. Martin Luther King jr. by holding a “Dream Team 2008” rally at the Paramount Theatre Centre, in downtown Anderson.
Prior to the rally, Anderson elementary and middle school students were challenged to perform 10 random acts of service. ACS Director of Community Relations JoDean Washington explained that acts of service are those completed “for no particular reason except to improve the quality of life of others."
The CHARACTER COUNTS! pillar for January was Responsibility, which means being dependable. Students were encouraged to share their talents and time with others, and to make a difference in their community. Students who met their goal of 10 acts of service received MLK Dream Team stickers. Those who demonstrated outstanding servitude received Dream Team wrist-bands.
The Dream Team 2008 rally embraced Dr. King’s belief that "Everyone can be great, because everyone can serve." During the program, Mayor Kris Ockomon read a proclamation of "Dream Team Day 2008" and teachers shared service stories from their schools. ACS Superintendant Miki Lowe said, “The MLK celebration each year is a wonderful event for our students. It reminds them of the sacrifices Dr. King and others have made.”
Congratulations to all who participated in, planned, or sponsored such a successful event! A special TRRFCC shoutout goes to the 1,500+ Anderson students, the "Dream Team" Planning Committee, the Anderson Area Youth Leadership Academy, The Center for Character Development, Head Start of Madison County, Bethesda Missionary Baptist Youth, New Hope United Methodist Church, the Salvation Army, the Historic Paramount Theatre, the city of Anderson, Anderson University, and CHARACTER COUNTS! Of Madison County.
