The deadline is in a few weeks for entries in this year’s "Character Counts in Iowa" awards. Spokeswoman Amy Smit encourages Iowans to nominate someone who exemplifies the six pillars of character: caring, citizenship, fairness, respect, responsibility and trustworthiness.

Smit says the awards are for people in a range of areas, including for Citizen of Character, for people of any age, kids and adults. There’s also an award for businesses and organizations. She says sports and academic teams can also win state recognition for their dedication to good sportsmanship.

That one’s called the Pursuing Victory With Honor Award. Iowans may be more familiar with the organization’s other awards which recognize educators and schools. The new award recipients will be announced in October. The awards were originally handed out in the spring but the event was moved to correspond with the observance of Character Counts Week in October. Smit explains the goal of the awards.

"We really want to show that character counts everywhere, all the time, for everyone." The deadline for entries is June 14th. Download an entry form at " www.charactercountsiniowa.org " or call (515) 271-2293 to be mailed a form.