This is Character Counts Week in Iowa, which celebrates the six pillars of character including Caring, Citizenship, Fairness, Respect, Responsibility and Trustworthiness. Amy Smit is with the Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University in Des Moines.
“We try to think of something different to do every year with it and this year we don’t have to look very far to find news stories that are kind of sad or might make us fearful or angry. You can’t ignore the negative, that’s part of the human experience and I think sometimes that can move us to change the world around us. For Character Counts Week we really want to be inspired by the good things that are happening out there,” Smit says. She says they are asking people to share their good stories.
“We know that there’s tons and tons of great people doing great things and those stories don’t always get the platform they deserve,” Smith says. “We’re asking everyone to find those great stories that they might stumble upon through their social media feeds or that they hear about — and we want to fill the world with those great positive stories.” Representatives from the program went to Waterloo Monday to formally present their School of Character award to Poyner Elementary in Waterloo so that everyone there could share in the moment.
She says they often present the Character Awards at a ceremony in August and only a few administrators or staff get to attend that event, and visiting the school allows everyone to be congratulated. You may find out more about Character Counts at www.drake.edu/raycenter.
By Pat Powers, KQWC, Webster City