If you know an Iowan who’s a good role model and displays solid moral fiber, you might consider nominating that person for the 2012 Iowa Character Awards. Amy Smit, who runs the Character Counts in Iowa office in Des Moines, says being recognized for this type of honor is a real prize.
“It’s great to be able to show others what types of great character we have in our communities,” Smit says. “Over the past seven years, we’ve been having our Iowa Character Awards where we recognize 10 to 15 Iowans, be they youth or adults or teachers or business people or your friends and neighbors.”
The six pillars of character are: Caring, Citizenship, Fairness, Respect, Responsibility and Trustworthiness. Everyone who’s nominated for the awards will take part in a big gathering later this year.
All of the nominees and winners can attend the awards dinner on August 3rd. Smit says, “We really want to put the attention on the folks who are nominated and the folks who won and really make them feel special about all the great things they do in Iowa.”
The deadline to nominate someone is May 11th and it’s easy to do online. Get started on the website: “charactercountsiniowa.org” and you can fill out the nomination form online or print it out, fill out the ten questions and mail it in.
By Pat Powers, KQWC, Webster City