Keynote: Mr. Chuck Kramer

The American Youth Character Awards are the only national awards given to young people solely for strength of character. Under the direction of the Josephson Institute of Ethics and the National CHARACTER COUNTS! Coalition, these awards identify and honor young people who are the real and proper role models for their generation. These awards are not given for isolated acts of heroism or generosity, nor are they given simply for high grades, leadership posts, excellence in athletics or the arts. Rather, the American Youth Character Awards are designed to honor young people (regardless of their family background, race, culture, financial status, I.Q., or physical condition) whose lives and achievements demonstrate an enduring commitment to qualities associated with good character. The recipients of these awards are undeniable role models for our community. The ninth annual Minot CHARACTER COUNTS! Coalition American Youth Character Awards Banquet was held on Wednesday, January 26, 2011 at Minot State University. Mr. Chuck Kramer was the Keynote Speaker for this event. The Minot CHARACTER COUNTS! Coalition is proud to announce the award winners for the 2010-2011 school year listed below:

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RECIPIENTS

Minot CHARACTER COUNTS! Coalition presents the American Youth Character Award recipients for 2010-2011: Ryan Bent , Elizabeth Burckhard , Bethany Lysne, Sarah Rimatzki, Jacques Stanley, Kaitlyn Stenberg.

Ryan Bent Ryan is an 8th grade student attending Erik Ramstad Middle School. Ryan is the son of Ben and Lisa Bent.

Elizabeth Burckhard Elizabeth is a junior attending Our Redeemers Christian School. She is the daughter of Kevin and Paula Burckhard.

Bethany Lysne Bethany Lysne is a senior at Minot High School. She is the daughter of Steve and Kari Lysne.

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Sarah Rimatzki Sarah Rimatzki is a Senior attending Ryan High School. Sarah is the daughter of Bruno and Barbara Rimatzki.

Jacques Stanley Jacques Stanley is a Junior attending Minot High School. He is the son of Dave and Melissa Stanley.

Kaitlyn Stenberg Kaitlyn Stenberg is an 8th grade student attending Jim Hill Middle School. She is the daughter of Pete and Carol Stenberg.

	Ryan Bent is an 8th grade student attending Erik Ramstad Middle School. Ryan is the son of Ben and Lisa Bent. Ryan Bent is a hard-working, willing-to-take-on-that-extra-responsibility type of student. School and grades are important to Ryan and he always tries his best in all he does. Ryan is a member of the honor society, yearbook staff, and he routinely volunteers to serve as an interpreter for hearing impaired students at Ramstad and he volunteered to run a session on sign language at the school’s family fun night. Ryan goes out of his way to make sure that others feel good. He lifts others up and does it because he cares and not to get the attention or credit for himself. He never complains about the challenges that he personally faces with his hearing impairment, but rather he is always thinking about ways to help improve the lives of others. Ryan has a tender heart when it comes to those students in our school that struggle. He looks for ways to help and he always tries to become a friend to these students. Ryan is not swayed by negative peer pressure, but is courageous in making the right choices and choosing to do the right things. Ryan has helped in clean-up efforts around the community and he helps at his church whenever the opportunity arises. If a student is struggling, Ryan is one of the first individuals at our school to help the struggling student. He has placed others before personal fun or personal gain. Ryan’s great personal character and gentle spirit makes him a great candidate to receive the 2011 American Youth Character Award.
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	Elizabeth Burckhard is a junior attending Our Redeemers Christian School. She is the daughter of Kevin and Paula Burckhard. Elizabeth Burckhard is an outstanding young lady in our community and a true leader at her school. She has learned that having good character can sometimes mean going against her peers in some of the decisions that are being made. She believes that sticking up for her personal values is very important even if others aren’t living up to their commitments. Elizabeth always has time for friends and classmates if they are needing a ‘listening ear’ and a friend to confide in. Elizabeth has a deep commitment to our military and she has spent time in making cookies and writing letters to send to our soldiers overseas. Elizabeth has a huge heart for kids in orphanages and she tries to help them as much as possible. She spent one month helping in an Ukraine orphanage playing with the kids and giving them love and a caring person’s time. Elizabeth is very close to her family. She has two sisters with Down syndrome and because of their influence in her life she is able to see every person as someone who deserves and needs respect no matter if they look, talk, or act differently from others. Elizabeth is a very caring and kind student who keeps her promises and sets a positive example for others. Elizabeth has volunteered the past four years to serve as a camp counselor at Camp ReCreation which is a camp for children and adults with special needs. She, also, volunteers at the local ReStore helping to put price tags on items, cleaning up, and organizing shelves. Elizabeth’s great compassion for others, especially those with special needs, her personal great character, and caring personality make her an excellent recipient of the 2011 American Youth Character Award.
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	Bethany Lysne is a senior at Minot High School. She is the daughter of Steve and Kari Lysne. Bethany Lysne is dependable, respectful, conscientious, responsible, humble, kind, caring, and genuine. She is actively involved in school, church, and community. She maintains high grades and takes an active role in the National Honor Society and in Key Club. She assists in her church and volunteers in the Cancer Relay for Life and the Domestic Violence Walk-A-Thon. Bethany possesses a respectful and optimistic demeanor that is rather contagious to anyone with whom she interacts. Bethany has a ‘love of life’ that many never realize. She was diagnosed with Acute Lymphocytic Leukemia as a teenager which came with two and a half years of intense cancer treatments. Because of her intense cancer treatment, Bethany developed Avascular Necrosis which is swelling and fractures in the joints. This condition caused her to need surgery and all four joints (shoulders & Knees) to be replaced. She has dealt with constant pain during this time and still managed to maintain outstanding grades in all her classes. She believes that the most important thing to remember is to be positive about every situation and never give up, and always keep a smile on your face. While going through her cancer treatment, Bethany was helpful to a mother who had just come to the hospital with her 3 year old son who had the same kind of cancer that Bethany had. Bethany attempted to encourage and uplift the mother by sharing her story and helping the mother and child through this time of their lives. This little boy is now healthy and will be starting Kindergarten this next Fall. Bethany Lysne’s ability to encourage others, role model great character, and to radiate hope to all is a good reason for her to receive a 2011 American Youth Character Award.
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	Sarah Rimatzki is a Senior attending Ryan High School. Sarah is the daughter of Bruno and Barbara Rimatzki. Sarah Rimatzki’s life and achievements demonstrate an enduring commitment to qualities associated with good character. She has been very active in her faith community. She has a firm commitment to do the right thing and a firm resolution to say no to drugs and underage drinking. Sarah’s positive approach to life is evident daily in her small acts of kindness, self-sacrifice, and compassion shown to all those around her. Sarah is an outstanding student in school. She always strives to do and to be her best. She is involved with the SADD Program, Kick Butts Day, Reality Check, Signs Displaying Character messages on Broadway, Ghost Out, and Red Ribbon Week. She has participated in Operation Christmas Child, food and clothing drives, and she earned her Bronze Award as a Girl Scout creating a brand new Bingo Board for Bell School to help in fundraising activities promoting good causes. She serves on the United Way Youth Board and was part of service projects that they performed in our community. Sarah’s essay concerning conservation of energy and being a good citizen of the community won her a trip sponsored by Verendrye Electric Cooperative to Washington, D.C. She became a positive representative of youth from our state. Sarah is committed to help children with diabetes. She has served as a counselor at Camp Sioux which is a camp sponsored by the American Diabetes Association to assist children who have juvenile diabetes to better control and deal with their disease. Sarah Rimatzki truly is a very deserving recipient of a 2011 American Youth Character Award.
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	Jacques Stanley is a Junior attending Minot High School. He is the son of Dave and Melissa Stanley. Jacques is an exceptional student and an outstanding individual who presents himself with a very approachable and genuinely caring demeanor. Jacques goes beyond what is expected in everything that he does. Whether at school, in volunteering situations, or in community service ~ Jacques’s motivation and dedication is seen in action. He is involved in National Honor Society, Key Club, Swimming, Student Council, Band, Jazz Band, Boy Scouts, and numerous Church Activities. Jacques earned his Eagle Scout and has encouraged and served as a mentor to younger scouts in their achievements. Jacques aspires to do the right thing even when peers are going in another direction. He isn’t afraid to stand up and speak out when others are choosing behaviors that aren’t respectful. Jacques will always listen and help other students who are struggling. He is willing to ‘go the extra mile’ in these situations. Family is extremely important in Jacques’s life. He has stood by his family members in numerous ways helping them to ‘stay at their best’. He is admired by peers and gets along with everyone. He works very hard and he can always be counted on. His classroom example makes teaching much easier for his instructors. He’s always willing to reach out and help another student who is struggling or just needs a good friend. Jacques’s excellent sense of social consciousness, and great compassion, makes him an good choice to receive a 2011 American Youth Character Award.
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	Kaitlyn Stenberg is an 8th grade student attending Jim Hill Middle School. She is the daughter of Pete and Carol Stenberg. Kaitlyn Stenberg is an outstanding, bright, compassionate, goal-directed young lady. She stands out in her class as a leader; one who models empathy and caring for all. Kaitlyn is heavily involved at Jim Hill Middle School. She serves as President of the National Junior Honor Society, she’s active in Student Council, and as a Character Counts! representative. She is in band and choir, in jazz band, volleyball, MagiKix dance, soccer, softball, Jim Hill Book Club and yearbook. Kaitlyn is heavily involved in church activities. She is a nursery caretaker, and has been involved in church plays, been a server at church since 4th grade, and has done caroling with her church. Kaitlyn volunteered as a sandbagger during the spring flooding. She volunteered as a zoo teen worker, and she helps in caring for her 74 year old neighbor’s garden during the summer. Kaitlyn accompanied the Jim Hill students on the Sister school exchange to Whitsunday Anglican School in Australia this past July. She worked with the Aboriginal people and stepped up to be very engaged and showed a keen desire to learn about their culture so she could share back with our Jim Hill students. Kaitlyn worked with the ‘Feed The Poor’ activity that was held at the city auditorium where her team packed 14 boxes of food which is enough to feed 3,064 children for a day. Kaitlyn is a young lady that truly makes a positive difference in the lives of others. She’s someone that can always be counted upon by staff and students. This makes her a very worthy recipient of a 2011 American Youth Character Award. (back to the award winner pictures)

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In addition to recognizing our six 2010-2011 National American Youth Character Award Recipients, it is our great privilege and honor to present twelve American Youth Character Honorable Mention Recipients. Pictured from the left front row: Adam Schutt, Jayden Moum, Gabrielle Boeckel, and Alyssa Tonneson. From the left Second Row: Lateasha Hughes, Casey Smith, Malena Lennon, and Blaise Stanley. From the left Third Row: Justin Ternes, Adrienne Ricker, and Kaitlin Crowdus. Absent: Malori Mattson.

	Gabrielle Boeckel is an 8th grader attending Our Redeemer Christian School. She is the daughter of Dean and Anne Boeckel. Gabrielle is a respectful student who is willing to reach out to other students with a helping hand. She’s a great listener and is a student who likes doing public service projects. She has helped an elderly neighbor with raking leaves, she’s brought cookies to those living in an assisted living center, she’s help with providing toys and food to the needy during the holiday season. Gabrielle always encourages others in both basketball and volleyball to keep a positive attitude and to have fun while playing the game. She’s an outstanding choice to receive a 2011 Honorable Mention Character Award.
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	Kaitlin Crowdus is a senior attending Minot High School. She is the daughter of Gary and Carol Crowdus. Kaitlin demonstrates the pillars of character by leading by example. Kaitlin is responsible, polite, dependable, and respectful. She is involved in numerous school activities including National Honor Society, Key Club, Symphonic Choir, Student Council, Varsity Winds Band, and Swimming. Volunteering is something that Kaitlin is very willing to do and she has made wonderful differences in the lives of others through her work at Camp Metigoshie. She’s a committed student and is always well prepared for classes. Kaitlin is an outstanding choice to receive a 2011 Honorable Mention Character Award.
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	Lateasha Hughes is an 8th grader attending Erik Ramstad Middle School. She is the daughter of Kay Hughes. Lateasha is an active participant in many different areas of school. You know there will be fun when you see her coming. Her bright smile cheers up the halls and classrooms at Ramstad. She enjoys volunteering at the Humane Society and she loves volunteering through the Honor Society at Ramstad. She shows a maturity beyond her years both in and out of the classroom. She cares about others and is willing to do whatever to make life better for classmates. She’s an outstanding student, athlete, and citizen. This makes Lateasha Hughes a great choice to receive a 2011 Honorable Mention Character Award.
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	Malena Lennon is an 8th grader attending Memorial Middle School. She is the daughter of Shawn and Gloria Lennon. Malena always strives to do her best in everything that she does both in and out of school. She’s one of those students that teachers love to have in class because she’s so very responsible. She’s a parent’s dream. Malena displays the six pillars of Character Counts! with different service projects she performed while in Girl Scouts such as cooking and delivering food to the Fisher House where military families stay, helping out in the library, collecting clothing and blankets for the Airmen’s Attic, and helping in the repair of a building used by the Boy and Girl Scouts. She’s always available to help other students and staff at school Malena is a great student and choice to receive a 2011 Honorable Mention Character Award.
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	Malori Mattson is a Junior attending Bishop Ryan High School. She is the daughter of Steve and Joy Mattson. Malori is a dedicated, caring and concerned student who is always willing to help classmates that are struggling with academics. She’s a member of the Minot Symphony Orchestra and Malori has a strong musical talent playing violin. She, also, participates with her community musical group, Voices of Note Women’s Chorus. Malori has a special love for those who cannot stand up for themselves. She has a very strong sense of fairness and justice and she is willing to do whatever it takes to create a sense of order, harmony, and fairness for everyone’s concern. Malori’s great character is based upon her stong faith and she lives her faith on a daily basis. Malori has helped an autistic child for about 4 years and has served as one of the child’s therapists for the last 2 years. Whether Malori is involved with her music, her academics, or helping with visiting patients in the hospital or Feeding Starving Children ~ she always is thinking of others and this makes her a perfect recipient of a 2011 Honorable Mention Character Award.
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	Jayden Moum is a Freshman attending Minot High School. She is the daughter of Jeff and Rhonda Moum. Jayden is selfless, giving, and caring. She always puts the feelings of others above herself. She is kind to everyone and she never utters unkind words about anyone. She has such a positive, uplifting mannerism. Whenever there’s a task to accomplish, Jayden is always there. She has been involved with student council, Key Club, volleyball, basketball, church activities, involved with the Trinity Nursing Home and also helping out at the YMCA. Jayden maintains a 4.0 in school and always puts her whole heart into any activity she does. She’s a teacher and parents’ dream. Jayden’s great character and wonderful, personable personality make her an outstanding choice to receive a 2011 Honorable Mention Character Award.
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	Adrienne Ricker is a Senior attending Minot High School. She is the daughter of Dawn Cherie Ricker. Adrienne is a trusted friend, a respected peer, a responsible worker, fair judge, and a caring citizen. She role models all 6 pillars of Character Counts! in school, at work, at home, and in the neighborhood. She has participated in numerous clubs and organizations. She’s helped with the Relay for Life, helped in local clean-up projects, and been a team leader at her work place. She is a very reliable person whom other students know that they can depend. Adrienne sets such a positive example in everything she accomplishes with a very strong, positive work ethic. She’s a hard worker in band, choir, and a leader in her Level 3 and 4 French classes. Adrienne is very respected by her teachers, her neighbors, her friends, and her family members. This makes her a very good choice to receive a 2011 Honorable Mention Character Award.
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	Adam Schutt is an 8th grade student attending Memorial Middle School. He is the son of Robert and Michelle Schutt. Adam Schutt is a remarkable young man with an outstanding future. He serves as Vice President of Memorial’s Character Counts! Club and he’s developing into an outstanding leader. He’s willing to speak up when others are being mistreated and when he doesn’t believe that it’s right. He’s one that has made the choice to do the right thing even if the peer group is going in another direction. Adam is a very caring, responsible student at school and at home. He enjoys Boy Scouts where he has assisted the younger students with their projects as a positive role model. Adam has worked on the service project of remodeling the North Plains Base Chapel. Adam believes in making things better for others. He, also, was instrumental in getting the base commissary to donate food to the young Airmen’s pantry. These young airmen do not have lots of extra money and they really can benefit from this food pantry. Adam believes in reaching out to others and this makes him an outstanding student to receive a 2011 Honorable Character Mention Award.
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	Casey Smith is an 8th grade student attending Memorial Middle School. She is the daughter of Martin and Mary Smith. Casey Smith is a great, goal driven young woman. She the President of Memorial’s Character Counts! Club. Casey always displays a confidence, but in a very kind, compassionate way. She served as the driving force behind Memorial’s fundraiser to help a student with medical issues. Casey is always happy to help out. She’s kind, responsible, respectful and displays great character 24/7. She believes that having good character is a lifestyle. Whether babysitting, doing good deeds, helping others with homework, or volunteering at a local animal shelter; Casey Smith is the person to get the job done. This makes her an ideal student to receive a 2011 Honorable Character Mention Award.
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	Blaise Stanley is an 8th grade student attending Erik Ramstad Middle School. He is the son of Dave and Melissa Stanley. Blaise Stanley is a young man with a very winning personality that ‘lights up a room’ with his charismatic smile and personal mannerisms. He always displays great character both in and out of school. Blaise is extremely mature for his years and is very responsible. He is involved in sports and school activities but always has his school work completed with great accuracy and consistency. He cares much about others! Blaise wants what is best for all. He makes others feel good by just being around him. He’s a model citizen at Ramstad and his face is one that all students/staff see each day on KRAM. Blaise is a Boy Scout, plays in a band, volunteers in Honor Society and Student Council, helps other students who are struggling in class, helps with special games at the YMCA when needed, plays soccer, participates in swim team, performs in music groups, involved at his church, and the list goes on and on. Blaise always looks out for that student that others don’t necessarily be-friend. He’s out to help make the lives of others better. Blaise Stanley is an outstanding student to receive a 2011 Honorable Mention Character Award.
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	Justin Ternes is a Junior attending Bishop Ryan High School. He is the son of Dan and Jean Ternes. Justin Ternes is a goal-directed young man whose warm personality comes through with everyone who meets him. He is friendly and really listens when meeting with you. Justin is a hockey player, he volunteers at sporting and school events as needed, and he’s always a cheerful volunteer when things are needed in the classroom. He has helped with the school’s lunch program, serving food, and even washing dishes. Justin maintains a good academic standing at school and he likes creating signs with his Dad. Justin is very responsible and works at the Green Thumb and Berry Acres Pumpkin Patch. He is especially good at working with the kids that come out on the weekends. Justin serves on the United Way Youth Board and has volunteered at the North Dakota State Fair, the Wildwood Golf Course and as a referee for the Minot Hockey Boosters. Justin has taken part in the Angel Tree and Operation Christmas Child community efforts. Justin Ternes is an outstanding student who is very deserving to receive a 2011 Honorable Mention Character Award.
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	Alyssa Tonneson is a Junior attending Our Redeemer’s Christian School. Alyssa is the daughter of Steve and Lynette Tonneson. Alyssa is an outstanding student who cares much about others. Character for Alyssa involves making the right choices. She desires to make a positive impact on the lives of everyone that she comes into contact each day. Music is a huge part of Alyssa’s life. She participates in her school’s choir and band and also volunteers at her church’s music program. She teaches Sunday School and is a part of her school’s National Honor Society. One of her favorite programs to volunteer is at a camp called Camp ReCreation for people with mental and physical disabilities. Alyssa leads by personal example. She role models the 6 pillars of Character Counts on a daily basis and is one of the most responsible young ladies at her school. Alyssa Tonneson is a great student to receive a 2011 Honorable Mention Character Award. (back to the list of honorable mention recipients)

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Shown above is Master of Ceremonies Jim Vitko.



Banquet Attendees

Dr. Selmer Moen gave the greeting and introduced Our Redeemers Christian School Choir.

Our Redeemers Christian School Choir.

Mr. Chuck Kramer, Keynote for the event.

Pictured above is Cindy Mau (right) and Annette Stach (left) - award presenters. Pictured on the left is Mr. Jim Vitko, Master of Ceremonies.

This page was created by Steve Beutler on February 14, 2011