Last month the Character Education Partnership recognized ten schools as winners of the 2009 National Schools of Character competition, and seventeen finalists. For a full list of winners, finalists, and honorable mentions, visit the CEP site.

We were thrilled to be able to interview three schools to find out more about their sustainability strategies for summer and beyond. Those schools are:

• Westwood Elementary School, Friendswood, TX – winner
The Westwood staff and community have created an extraordinary school large in its size and impact, yet small in its feel. The strength of its initiative is so great that past graduates have made a tremendous impact on how things are done. Students recently traveled to Washington to lobby Congress on behalf of service projects close to their hearts.

• Alta S. Leary Elementary School, Warminster, PA – winner
The “common goal of goodness” that envelops the school is the result of 15 years of conscious character-building. Students practice global citizenry: respect for all, ability to settle disagreements amicably, and helping those in need. Despite undergoing demographic changes, its academic achievement has continued to soar.

• Walnut Street Elementary School, Uniondale, NY – finalist
Walnut Street Elementary’s theme is respect and staff and students strive to live up to this daily. Character is an integral part of what they believe it takes to achieve excellence.