CHARACTER COUNTS!SM in Montgomery County

Letter From The Director

Dec 07, 2005

October 16th through the 31st found us collaborating with local Red Ribbon Week coordinators to focus on both the importance of good character and committing ourselves to living drug-free lives. Weeks set aside to honor programs serve to help us recommit to being the best person we can be, re-examine whether we are truly doing our part to make our community the best it can be, and recall what we have done so far to make character count in Montgomery County everywhere, all of the time. Indeed, CHARACTER COUNTS!SM in Montgomery County worked throughout the year to help young people develop basic values known as the ?“Six Pillars of Character?”: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and good citizenship. An effort of this magnitude was accomplished by the many community members who themselves are ?“pillars?” of character. Our schools, youth-serving organizations, business and industry, family, friends, and neighbors all worked to help our children and youth develop and exercise their character throughout the year.
Reflecting over the past year, there were many activities and programs that served to strengthen our character. CHARACTER COUNTS! In Montgomery County?’s highlights include:
A county-wide ?“Sharing Session?” which provided an opportunity for K-12 faculty and staff to come together to share information about what they are doing in their respective classrooms and building with regards to character education.
Continued support of Youth Service Bureau mentoring programs
The Foundations for Life (FFL) essay contest for local high school students
A community-wide in-service, ?“Making Our Commitment to Character Count?” on March 2, 2005. This intensive in-service program brought together 57 individuals from various parts of our community ?– schools, business and industry, faith-based, government, and youth-serving organizations to discuss topics such as: coordination of efforts amongst various groups, strategic long-term planning, increased buy-in from various community individuals and groups, ?“Walking the Talk?”, and overcoming obstacles to success.
The first annual Champions of Character Awards breakfast on March 22, 2005. CHARACTER COUNTS! in Montgomery County initiated this award as a way for the community to recognize individuals who through daily efforts live up to the best that is in them. We sought nominations for Montgomery County residents who have accepted responsibility for their neighborhoods and communities by exhibiting good character; adults and youth who went ?“above and beyond?” by overcoming obstacles, making difficult choices, acting with generosity and self-sacrifice, or performing community service for the betterment of our society.
Recognition of community members and groups throughout the year for activities and events that were the epitome of good character.
As we continue with year three of the Partnerships in Character Education ?– Local Educational Agency Grant, CHARACTER COUNTS! in Montgomery County will continue with these activities and others as we seek to reach even more members of our community. In our on-going effort to Teach, Enforce, Advocate, and Model good character, we?’ll continue our ?“Friendraising?” drive. Watch for more information in the weeks to come.

Best wishes for a safe, healthy, and happy holiday season!