Officials with the state’s Character Counts initiative are looking for Iowans who exemplify the program’s attitudes and actions. Amy Smit, spokeswoman for the Des Moines-based Institute for Character Development, says they’re seeking nominations for the 2007 Iowa Character Awards.
Smit says they’re looking for people who demonstrate the six pillars of character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. She says most of us know a good neighbor, someone with integrity, someone who perseveres life’s challenges. Besides individuals, Iowans are also invited to nominate businesses, organizations, schools, educators and athletic teams.
Smit says they’re looking for schools that have made character education an integral part of the culture and climate, or for businesses that have woven the six pillars of character into their corporate culture, or athletic teams that show good sportsmanship on and off the field. She says the deadline for nominations is fast-approaching and the process is simple.
She says to go to " www.iowacharacter.org " and download a nomination form, fill it out, and have it postmarked by February first. The awards will be presented by former Governor Robert Ray at the Iowa Character Awards Banquet in April.