Character Matters Honors Lake County Students and Staff Members with

Excellence in Character Awards

Character Matters in Lake County, a committee of the Lake County After School Coalition, announces the 2010 recipients of the Excellence in Character Awards. All of the recipients were honored during their school’s year-end programs with a certificate; the students received medals and the staff members received lapel pins. Forty-four students and twenty-eight staff members, representing grade schools, middle schools, and high schools from across Lake County received this distinguished award. The program is coordinated and sponsored by Character Matters in Lake County and the Lake County Regional Office of Education.

The Excellence in Character Award is given to individuals who demonstrate outstanding character and citizenship in their schools and communities. Lake County schools are full of inspirational people who go above and beyond to contribute their time, energy and talents in positive and meaningful ways.

“I am so fortunate to have the honor to read the comments on the student and staff nomination forms and I’m reminded of the power one person can have on an entire community” said Ashley Ward, Chair of the Character Matters in Lake County committee. “Reading about the contributions of this year’s recipients and their dedication to making a difference has inspired me to be more intentional in my life and I hope they have a similar impact on you!”

Comments from 2010 Excellence in Character Award student nominations:

• “she is the kind of young lady that others can model themselves after”
• “sets a high personal standard for himself, and he does not give up when the task is challenging”
•  “she is an excellent example of a student with integrity and strong moral fiber”
• “communicates well with peers and places others before herself”
• “He will not allow his classmates to fight. He is the constant mediator during a disagreement – always pointing out that fighting is a waste of time.”
•  “she has found many ways to contribute in a positive manner within and outside her home community”
• “respectful and kind to others”
• “great motivation to her classmates”
• “passionate supporter and fundraiser of causes which help premature babies…incredible young man who demonstrates care, compassion and leadership”
• “demonstrates empathy by her selfless actions…not afraid to stand up for what she believes in…carries herself with dignity and grace at all times, even when no one is watching”
• “always willing to help out in any way needed, whether it be the classroom teacher or helping a classmate solve a problem”
•  “exceptional leader for others to emulate”
• “willingness to always be of service”
• “inspires people to dedicate themselves to the unrelenting pursuit of knowledge, to develop meaningful relationships in both the school and community, and to work diligently to improve the lives of others”
• “Her ethical character is an excellent example for all students to follow”
• “He shows the other students how to be confident in their abilities, while still being kind and well-mannered”
• “demonstrates a committed work ethic, utmost respect for his teachers and peers, and an overall positive attitude toward school”
•  “hard-working, humble student who displays outstanding character, assumes a leadership role, and treats others respectfully in all interactions”
• “values what citizenship means in this country”
• “his infectious energy is consistent and fully integrated into who he is and positively touches all who come into contact with him”
• “quiet yet positive force in the classroom”

Comments from 2010 Excellence in Character Award staff member nominations:

• “outstanding influence and model for students”
• “shining example of integrity, courage, and philanthropy at both the community and national stages…lives her life with the moral integrity of a giant, she makes a deep impact on everyone around her…it stirs the hearts of all the rest of us who live in the energy and light she creates each day”
•  “He has brought new leadership to our district that encourages teachers to try new approaches to teaching and learning.”
• “She is a role model to younger staff as well as her students.”
•  “his commitment to core character values has been unwavering…speaks openly about the importance of honesty and integrity, hard work and responsibility.”
• “demonstrated great leadership skills”
•  “comes to work each day with a smile on her face that quickly spreads to both students and staff”
• “Even though it is only his second year in the education profession….a role model to not only the students, but also to the experienced staff members.”
• “truly wants all humans to live up to their highest potential”
•  “She is extremely friendly and caring to the students, staff and parents that she works with….dedicated to the families and makes sure they are well-informed and have access to as many resources as possible…consistently demonstrates what a quality individual should look like….it would be a wonderful world if it was filled with more people like [her].”
• “kind, fair individual who’s ethics guide his very being….his ability to communicate with staff and students alike has brought mutual respect and the ability for positive change through this open communication”
•  “leader and mentor for many years…diagnosed with stage 4 breast cancer…remained positive and focused on the needs of her students….returned to work and continues to model strength, love and perseverance to all of us”
•  “Parents, students and peers alike have commented on her ability to make everyone feel supported and in how she handles the day to day routines fairly and consistently.”
• “true asset to the students and staff”
• “shown initiative in making our school a more welcoming place for all students and she recognizes individual student achievement in situations where others may not notice”
•  “She really gets in and gets her hands dirty, which is very appreciated.”
• “displays himself as a respectful, concerned and responsible individual”