Our goal is not only to create students who are smart but also students who will make good neighbors. We provide solid examples of role models to the students who will address them on an array of topics. Not only will these efforts promote student character but also teachers and other staff may also benefit and be held to high standards of character. Good character is becoming contagious at HDHS.

A committee of 3 lead teachers and ten student leaders comprise our Committee at HDHS. These students and teacher drive our program and initiatives. The students have had the courage to stand up to teachers and their peers about why we plan and carry out the lessons and speakers that we do each week. They have also had the courage to introduce speakers who are hosted 3-4 times throughout the school year to address the student body on a topic of character.

Some of the character speakers we have hosted at Hampton-Dumont High School include Dan Gable, Thomas Hill, Miss Iowa, VJ Smith, Rick Neilsen, Simon Estes, among others. These same committee members also help during routine Award Assemblies at the high school. They help hand out t-shirts to students, who receive character nominations throughout the quarter, introduce honor roll and perfect attendance recipients, and help organize the assembly all together.

This committee has given Committee.

The staff and students continue to promote and I look forward to guiding all students and staff in the pursuit of being the best people they can be.

Check out Hampton-Dumont High School’s website.

In a recent post, we asked a few questions about when it was okay to lie. We received lots of great feedback and discussion on the issue, and so we will continue the discussion over the next few weeks.

When is a fib okay?

What do you think? What are other good examples of Pillars conflicting with one another? Do you have a good way to reply to Granny?

It’s a big week for apologies.

A few public figures (Rep. Joe Wilson, Kanye West, Serena Williams) are saying sorry for their bad behavior. Before we are too quick to judge these celebrity outbursts, how many of us have made remarks or acted in ways that we quickly regret?

But why? Is it just a lack of self-control? Maybe Rep. Wilson could not simply keep this thoughts to himself. What about a sense of narcissistic entitlement? Maybe Kanye thought that his views were more important than anything else and he deserved to share them.

In any case, it wouldn’t hurt any of us to think more before we act (or speak). A quote from Frank Outlaw sums up how quickly our thoughts and words can define us:

“Watch your thoughts; they become words.
Watch your words; they become actions.
Watch your actions; they become habits.
Watch your habits; they become character.
Watch your character; it becomes your destiny.”

Some days begin or end with news that has the power to make our hearts feel heavy. Such was the way we began our morning yesterday, September 13, 2009.

As we awoke to the morning news, we learned that our friend, Norman Borlaug, had passed away from lymphoma late the previous evening.

to learn more about the Iowa native, Nobel Peace Prize recipient and the father of the Green Revolution.

In 2001, we were honored to present Mr. Borlaug with the Robert D. Ray Pillar of Character Award to recognize his lifelong commitment to demonstrating good character.

As one of the first recipients of the Ray Award, Mr. Borlaug certainly was a great example of an Iowan who strived for excellence and ethics. We are proud to consider Mr. Borlaug a part of the CHARACTER COUNTS! family.

Over the next several weeks, we’ll be highlighting each of the Six Pillars of Character – trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. Maybe we’ll all think about the Pillars differently after spending time focusing on each one. Let’s get started with trustworthiness.

First, it is important to remember the difference between trust and trustworthiness. Trust is something you put into someone else, while trustworthiness is being worthy of trust from others.

Being worthy of trust comes from:

Integrity
People with integrity stand up for their beliefs, have the courage to do what is right and they build good reputations.

Honesty
An honest person tells the truth, is sincere and is forthright and candid.

Promise-Keeping
People who keep their promises honor their commitments, keeps their word, and are dependable.

Loyalty
People who demonstrate loyalty stand by, stick up for and protect their family, friends, school and country.

Here’s a few questions to ponder:

• When is a “white lie” or a fib okay?
• How many lies does it take for you to become a liar?

Share your thoughts in the comments and we’ll tell you what we think in a future post.

We’re pleased to invite Iowans to contribute to our mission through submitting a guest blog. Today’s guest blog is from Kathe Breheny, Director Corporate Communications at Central Iowa Power Cooperative (CIPCO).

For me, character is a matter of knowing the difference between right and wrong and reflecting that in one’s actions. It may seem intuitive, but we all know there can be disconnect between even the best of intentions and one’s behavior. And that is where character development comes in.

In today’s changing world, I am reminded daily why building good character, particularly at a young age, is so important. We hear and read about it in the news – people from all walks of life who lack a basic foundation of values to guide their actions. Whether it’s the corporate executive who defrauded millions for personal gain or some local youth engaging in senseless acts of violence, the need for character development is widespread.

We are fortunate to have a great program here in Iowa striving to help us practice good character.

I have long been a supporter of CHARACTER COUNTS! and am fortunate to work for an organization that shares and supports their mission. At Central Iowa Power Cooperative (CIPCO), we follow seven cooperative guiding principles; one of which is concern for community. We have a genuine commitment to seeing the communities we serve grow and prosper because our member consumers benefit as a result. And building strong character is an essential part of community growth and development.

CHARACTER COUNTS! has positively impacted the lives of countless Iowa students by reaching them at a young and impressionable age. By planting the seeds of trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and citizenship in our youth; we are laying the foundation for a healthy and prosperous next generation of leaders.

We are proud of our partnership with CHARACTER COUNTS! In Iowa and appreciate the work they do every day!

Take a minute today to use your imagination – pretend that you have just arrived from another planet. New to earth, you take a look around and gather information about earth and its inhabitants.

As you learn about the planet, you’ll also find clues as to what our citizens value. What do you think is important to Americans? To Iowans?

Now turn your attention to your own home. If you were looking at your life through alien eyes, what values stand out? Family and friends usually top the list of values for many Americans.

But what about ethical values? What ethical values are important in our state and in our homes? Trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship are among the qualities of Iowans that makes our state great.

Continuing this culture of character, however, can’t be left up to someone else. Everyone must contribute by doing their best to be trustworthy, respectful, responsible, fair, caring and good citizens.

Besides, we want to be good role models when the aliens drop by.