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Awards Banquet |
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Keynote Speaker
Major General David Sprynczynatyk
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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
tenth annual Minot CHARACTER COUNTS! Coalition American Youth
Character Awards Banquet was held on Wednesday, January 25,
2012 at Minot State University. Major General David Sprynczynatyk
was the Keynote Speaker for this event.
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The
Youth Character Awards banquet was sponsored by the Minot
Character Count's Coalition. Mr. Jim Olson was the Master
of Ceremonies for this event. The Flags were presented by
the Minot High School JROTC Honor Guard under the direction
of Capt. Scott Evans & CMSgt. Clark Culbertson. Mr. Marv
Semrau from Minot State University gave the greeting and Mr.
Les Mau, from the First Assembly of God church gave the Invocation.
Musical Selections were presented by Minot State University
Students. Major General David Sprynczynatyk keynoted the event.
The Youth Character Awards were presented by Cindy Mau, Principal
at Jim Hill Middle School, Ben Berg, Minot State University
Student and Member of the Minot Character Counts Coalition,
and Lynda Bertsch, Career Counselor at Minot State University.
Candid
photos from the event are shown below:
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Group
Photo of all Award Recipients - Row 1 from the left:
Kacey Monique Donamaria
(YCA), Taytum Jones (National
YCA), Rudra Patel (YCA),
Stephanie Mehlhoff
(YCA), and Brooklynne
Knutson (YCA). Row 2 from the left: Ben
Berg (Character Builder Award), Nichole
Brunner (YCA), Kendra
Sjol (YCA), Megan Rupe
(YCA), Lucas L. DeMers
(National YCA), Carter Martelle
(YCA), and Jewel Spitzer
(National YCA). Row 3 from the left: Mayor
Curt Zimbleman (Character Builder Award), Rylin
Sortland (YCA), Ian Howard
(National YCA), John "JT"
Thomas Salling (YCA), Nick
Theis (National YCA), and Ethan
Bahl (National YCA).
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Minot
State University Students presented a variety of Musical Selections.
Mr.
Jim Olson, Master of Ceremonies
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Minot
State University Students.
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National Anthem and Flags presented by the Minot High School
JROTC Color Guard
Major
General David Sprynczynatyk, Keynote
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Mr.
Marv Semrau, Minot State University |
Attendees enjoyed a fantastic dinner.
From
the left: Major General David Sprynczynatyk, Cindy Mau, and Mayor
Curt Zimbleman.
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American Youth Character Award Recipients |
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The
Minot CHARACTER COUNTS! Coalition is proud to introduce the
National American Youth Character Award Recipients for 2011-2012:
Ethan Bahl, Ian
Howard, Jewel Spitzer,
Taytum Jones, Lucas
L. DeMers and Nick Theis;
and the American Youth Character Award Recipients for 2011-2012:
Nichole Brunner, Kacey
Monique Donamaria, Brooklynne
Knutson, Carter Martelle,
Stephanie Mehlhoff,
Rudra Patel, Megan
Rupe, John "JT"
Thomas Salling, Kendra
Sjol, and Rylin Sortland.
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Ethan
Bahl
Ethan is a sophomore at Minot High School, Central Campus.
He is the son of
Sandy & Kirk Bahl. |
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Ethan
Bahl’s life and achievements demonstrate an enduring commitment
to qualities associated with great character. He is an honest,
positive person who genuinely cares about how others feel. Ethan
is kind hearted and generous. He goes above and beyond the normal
student to be friendly towards adults as well as his peers. Ethan
is a poster student for character counts! Ethan enjoys swimming
and track.
In September, 2010, Ethan was involved in a biking accident in
which he was hit by a truck which sent him to ICU for 3 days and
in the hospital for another week. Ethan suffered a traumatic brain
injury which affected Ethan’s hearing, walking, and speech.
Throughout Ethan’s long recovery from his accident, school
and life has always been a priority. Ethan faced adversity with
a drive and determination that was marveled by others. Ethan’s
strongest gift is his ability to overcome obstacles and do everything
that it takes to be a successful, productive student-athlete and
a great citizen in our community.
Teachers and principals love having Ethan in their school. He
sets a high standard for himself and role models all the characteristics
and attributes of great character. Ethan is a parents’ dream.
Ethan volunteers in his community. He’s active with helping
younger boys with their scouting activities. Ethan desires to
become an Eagle Scout like his brother Nick. Ethan was instrumental
in helping others evacuate and now rebuild their homes as a result
of our summer flooding. Ethan’s home was also flooded, but
he wanted to not only help his family, but to help others. Ethan
worked in a local food pantry and helped an elderly church couple
with yard work and different jobs that needed to be done. He has
helped with landscaping at Longfellow and at the post office in
Antler. Ethan worked with the Metigoshi campgrounds where he helped
build a handicapped accessible cabin.
Ethan has learned to value life and the importance of health.
He seeks the good in everything and everyone around him and he
continues to make positive choices to help make others’
lives better. |
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Ian
Howard
Ian
Howard is a Senior attending Bishop Ryan High School.
He is the son of Charissa Howard.
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Ian
is always respectful and polite. He has a good sense of humor.
Ian posseses a ready smile, a delightful personality, and a genuine
concern for others. Ian is very conscientious about his school
work and he is a truly diligent worker. Ian always goes the extra
mile. Ian’s caring spirit is amazing. He is the oldest of
five children and he has always earned their respect by being
such a responsible older brother and a good friend. Ian’s
strong compassionate nature puts him in a position to go against
peer pressure in order to stand up for those students who cannot
stand up for themselves.
Ian loves playing football and baseball and yet always finds time
to help others, get to his job, and keep up with his school responsibilities.
Ian is a great listener and is polite, courteous, and accepting
of others. He has many friends and is well liked. He’s a
very mature young man who is always committed to becoming the
best he can be. He makes others around him want to do better.
He’s a young man of honesty, integrity, and loyalty and
he’s a leader by example. He’s always willing to lend
a helping hand.
Ian has extensively helped during the Minot flooding fight through
diking, sandbagging, manning pumps day and night, evacuation,
tearing out and gutting, and through the rebuilding process. Ian,
also, helped his grandmother with a sidewalk that needed to be
replaced and a sump pump that had to be installed. His self-sacrific
and strong work ethic sets him apart for many in his age group.
Ian is a very generous friend to everyone! Ian Howard is a perfect
example of what good character can look like among today’s
youth. |
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Jewel
Spitzer
Jewel
Spitzer is an eighth grader at Memorial Middle School,
MAFB. Jewel is the daughter of John Spitzer and Shannon
and James Massey.
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Jewel
exemplifies the six pillars of Character Counts! She is honest
and has great integrity. She does what is right even though it
may not be popular. She is respectful, responsible, kind, and
compassionate.
In the aftermath of the terrible flooding in Minot this summer
many people, young and old, came to the aide of their friends
and neighbors. Jewel, along with her mother and sister, spent
every day for 30 days volunteering for the Salvation Army. They
provided meals to workers and homeowners, most of whom were strangers,
in flood-ravaged neighborhoods. Jewel even prepared special treats
for kids and pets. While other kids unaffected by the flood may
have been at the mall or watching TV, Jewel was on a Salvation
Army truck.
Jewel’s compassion for others also led her to help at the
First Presbyterian Church Soup Kitchen. She enjoys helping others.
She also volunteered at the Victorian Tea for the Minot St. Joseph
Ladies Auxiliary where she put together plates of food and served
them to people.
Jewel can always be counted on at school to help show new students
around the building and to help them feel included in the school’s
activities. She loves to bring a smile to people’s faces.
Jewel will stick up for what’s right even if it isn’t
popular to do so with her peer group. She takes a stand and doesn’t
back down until others can see a ‘more appropriate pathway
to choose’. |
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Taytum
Jones
Taytum
Jones is an 8th grader attending Erik Ramstad Middle School.
She is the daughter of Chris and Samantha Jones.
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Taytum
always exemplifies the 6 Pillars of Character Counts! She is an
outstanding role model to other students whether in the classroom
or in the community.
Taytum has a good sense of responsibility. She is always prepared
for class, always strives to do quality work, and she is one that
is eager to offer assistance or encouragement to others.
Taytum started her volunteer work when in 3rd grade by offering
to assist autistic children in the resource room at Roosevelt
School. Taytum wants to become a special education teacher in
her future. It is her passion to help others.
Taytum has served as an office assistant and teacher assistant
at Ramstad. She always shows responsibility by being accountable
and pursuing excellence. Taytum is an attentive listener who does
more than her fair share when volunteering in school, church,
and the community. She is in Honor Society and Student Council.
She also is a zoo teen and has assisted with summer technology
camp for Minot Public School staff. She does whatever it takes
to get the job done.
Taytum has volunteered with handicapped youth helping at Dream
Catchers baseball, soccer, and golf. She has helped with projects
to raise money for the American Cancer Society and the Red Cross.
Taytum has been nominated for the Prudential Spirit Award for
all that she does in our community. Taytum is currently working
on a Pay It Forward tour because she wants to give back to the
many middle schools who have helped Ramstad since the flood. |
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Lucas
L. DeMers
Lucas
DeMers is a Senior attending Minot High ~ Magic City Campus.
He is the son of Ronald and Shelley DeMers.
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Lucas
truly lives by the Golden Rule ~ ‘Treat others as you be
wish to be treated.’ He has a huge heart and he’s
always looking for ways to ‘give back to our community’.
Lucas is involved in National Honor Society, Symphonic Choir,
Change of Pace Singers, Cross Country, and Track. Lucas has been
on a Relay For Life team for four years and has raised money for
the American Cancer Society through various fundraising activities.
He helped organize, made, and sold duct tape roses for Minot High
School’s Homecoming with the help of the National Honor
Society. All of this money went to the Minot Public Schools flood
relief. Lucas helped families move during the evacuation of Minot
from their homes.
Lucas organized a group of friends to sing with at the mall to
raise money to buy gifts for children in need at Christmas. He
also helped decorate a cake which was auctioned off with all proceeds
going to the Trinity Cancer Care Center.
Lucas organized an overnight campout event for all the runners
at the beginning of the cross-country season. He wanted to help
build team unity by reaching out to the younger and new runners.
Lucas was 11 years old when his brother Zac (age 13) was diagnosed
with cancer. Watching Zac go through difficult cancer treatments
and almost losing his life has made Lucas realize how precious
life is and how life should never be taken for granted. Lucas
stood by his brother Zac and his parents throughout Zac’s
treatment process. Lucas shares that material things that meant
a lot to him before his brother’s cancer weren’t really
that important anymore. He treasures life and living it to its
fullest with family and friends. |
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Nick
Theis
Nick
Theis is a Senior at Our Redeemers Christian School. He
is the son of Eric and Norma Theis.
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Nick
Theis is a fantastic student of great Character.
He maintains the highest grade point average in school
while doing much to make the learning of others better. He has
served as an aide in geometry class and is very trusted by all
his teachers.
Nick has volunteered to do stats for the girls’ volleyball
team for the past four years. He helps coaches with running the
clock and book sporting events. Nick serves as Vice-President
of his school’s National Honor Society and he has participated
in food drives, blood drives, making cookies for soldiers, and
Operation Christmas Child.
Nick Theis was an eighth grade recipient of an American Youth
Character Award in 2007-2008 while attending Our Redeemers Christian
School; so his showing great character continues in our community.
This past summer Nick helped in many houses that were ruined by
the Minot flood. He helped with fillling sandbags, moving furniture,
and now with the clean-up effort. Nick helps with the fifth and
sixth grade Sunday School Class at his church, helps with Confirmation
Classes, and was a student leader on the annual confirmation trip
with his church. Nick enjoys working and caring for people with
mental and physical disabilities through Camp Recreation. He also
helps at a local food pantry preparing and serving meals.
Nick works as a Dietary Aide at Edgewood Vista. Nick has a huge
heart and when a family was struggling financially to buy their
medication, Nick provided the needed money. Nick is very compassionate
towards the needs of others! |
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Nichole
Brunner
Nichole
Brunner is a Junior attending Bishop Ryan High School.
Nichole is the daughter of Bob and Bonnie Brunner.
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Nichole
excels in academics, athletics, and school leadership at Bishop
Ryan High School. She is a member of the Honor Society and of
Students Against Destructive Decisions. Nichole participated in
the ‘Signs on Broadway’, where students stood along
Broadway holding up positive messages about what they have chosen
to do. She is a member of Envirothon, which is a competition about
our environment. She is involved in volleyball, basketball, and
fastpitch softball. She is a Junior Catholic Daughter and serves
at church. She is a friend to all her classmates and she is always
looking out for others. Nichole shows trustworthiness and caring
every day. She has a great sense of humor and she’s learned
to live, laugh, and love because each day is a gift from God.
Nichole has a very strong work ethic and she’s a natural
team leader.
This past summer, she sandbagged, helped to move families out
of their homes and she did whatever else needed to be done. She
enjoys helping her elderly neighbors move snow and she has presented
lessons to elementary students about staying drug free and making
good, appropriate life decisions.
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Kacey
Monique Donamaria
Kacey
Donamaria is a Senior attending Bishop Ryan High School.
Kacey is the daughter of Ron and Sharon Donamaria.
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Kacey
is a young woman of tremendous character. She is a sweet, caring
person who puts others first. She is kind to others, cheerful,
and respectful of her peers and teachers.
Kacey participates in cheerleading, speech, dance, drama, Parish
Youth Group, “Forty Days For Life”, Public Relations
Committee for the Bishop Ryan High School Assistant Chaplains,
and she served on the Diocesan Youth Rally Committee this past
season. Kacey co-teaches CCD with her mother for St. Leo’s
Catholic Parish, she works at a grocery store, and still maintains
her studies at Bishop Ryan.
Kacey has helped in the preparation of Thanksgiving and Christmas
baskes for those in need during the Holidays. She enjoys calling
Bingo numbers and telling jokes at the Milton Young Towers for
the elderly and adults with disabilities. She loves giving back
time in working with children ages 3 - 10 during summers and Christmas
Vacation Bible School.
When the devastation of the flood hit the Minot area this summer,
Kacey assisted with packing and moving of people living in the
flood evacuation zones. She gave up her room and slept on the
floor and sofa so a family friend would have a place to stay until
he was able to move into the college dorm this Fall.
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Brooklynne
Knutson
Brooklynne Knutson is a Sophmore attending Our Redeemers
Christian School. Brooklynne is the daughter of Scott
and Shannon Knutson.
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Brooklynne
shows dignity, self-respect, and self-discipline in everything
that she does! Brooklynne possesses the character and integrity
to choose the right thing when some peers around her are going
in a different direction. Character really does count with Brooklynne
Knutson on a daily basis!
Brooklynne is a humble, caring, respectful young lady that always
thinks about others before herself. She’s never too busy
to help a classmate or lend a hand to a teacher.
Brooklynne serves as president of her sophomore class. She is
an active member in National Honor Society and she has participated
in food drives, making cookies for soldiers, raking lawns, and
helping with Operatiion Christmas Child.
Brooklynne keeps her grades up while being a two sport athlete
and volunteering with teaching Sunday School, doing babysitting,
helping elderly folks with their shopping, and spending time working
at a soup kitchen preparing and serving meals. Brooklynne helped
during Minot’s flood effort with filling sandbags and helping
families that were in need.
In basketball, Brooklynne is a mentor and encourager to many of
the younger girls of the team. She role models good sportsmanship
and respect for the other players, coaches, and referees.
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Carter
Martelle
Carter
Martelle is an 8th grade student attending Jim Hill Middle
School. Carter is the son of Heidi Martelle and Keith
Martelle.
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Carter
is stedfast in his convictions of right and wrong, and he chooses
the right path based on his strong values. Carter always has a
positive attitude and is respectful to other students and teachers.
When it comes to great character, Carter is one that would stand
out, not with his voice BUT with his actions. Carter is always
responsible when it comes to his school work and will do anything
asked of him by school personnel. Carter truly is a gem of a youth!
Carter has shown great character by dealing with the adversity
of brain tumors. Carter has had to tolerate chemo treatments and
he does not always feel good, but he does his best to stay in
school. He always demonstrates a courage for life as he overcomes
the odds of difficulty. He is an inspiration to many in our community
because of his spirit and inner strength as he shows perseverance
through life’s difficult circumstances.
Carter has the spirit of giving and kindness. He is very compassionate
and helpful to others. Carter was involved with fillilng sandbags
and helping people to rebuild during the Minot flood. He also
worked through the Red Cross helping to make backpacks to send
out to those in need. Carter has volunteered in our local Soup
Kitchens showing his great caring for others. Carter is a very
active Boy Scout and he is currently making plans to complete
his Eagle Scout Award. This shows Carter’s perserverance
and dedication to his community.
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Stephanie
Mehlhoff
Stephanie
Mehlhoff is a Junior at Our Redeemers Christian School.
Stephanie is the daughter of Scott and Mardel Mehlhoff.
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Stephanie
finds opportunities to reach out to others in this community.
She has been tutoring two students in math, she does stats for
the girl’s volleyball and basketball teams. She teaches
a second grade student on Sunday nights and helps lead worship
at her church. Stephanie also helps with Vacation Bible School
and does backyard Kid’s Clubs during the summer to teach
children about God and also to help children learn how to take
turns and follow rules. Stephanie demonstrates good citizenship
by attending the annual community Veteran’s Day and Memorial
Day services to honor those who have served our great country.
Stephanie realizes the importance of giving back and doing good
deeds for others. This past summer when Minot was hit by the devasting
flood, Stephanie reached out to families to help them evacuate
and her family helped in providing them a place to live. She has
has been involved in the clean-up efforts with helping them gut
and fix up their homes so that they can have a place to live once
again.
Stephanie went on a Missions Trip to Livingston, Montana to help
in painting a church, fixing up a house, and also painting the
community center. She was amazed to see how much joy and hope
can be brought to people’s lives with some time being spent
helping in a community.
Stephanie believes in keeping her commitments and when she was
faced with the decision of leaving for an enjoyable trip to Texas
or staying for things she had already
promised to do ~ Stephanie stayed and made true on her promises.
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Rudra
Patel
Rudra
Patel is an 8th grader attending Erik Ramstad Middle School.
Rudra is the daughter of Jayesh Kumar and Minaxi Patel.
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Rudra
is a remarkable young lady who moved to the United States and
Minot with her family from India in May, 2010. Rudra began 7th
grade knowing very little English. The language barrier made it
very difficult for her academically as well as socially. That
has not stopped Rudra. She quickly became a favorite of teachers
due to her endearing, quiet personality. Rudra ALWAYS has a smile
on her face which is very contagious and brings joy to all around
her. She never complains. Rudra is trusted by her friends and
other students. Through much hard work, Rudra has become an honor
student who always strives to do her best!
Rudra volunteers for every event that Honor Society participates
in. Whether it is working on art projects with kids or doing Dance
Revolution at Fun Night or painting faces ~ Rudra is there! She
has an exceptional work ethic! Her gentle spirit and intelligence
shine through in every situation. Rudra has enjoyed working with
children at the Washington Fun Night and at the YMCA.
She always uses great manners in her work with others.
She also enjoyed doing the Taco John’s fundraiser.
At lunch, Rudra can be seen helping other students feel included
in the group. She never leaves anyone out.
Rudra is a highly motivated student and she loves playing volleyball
and soccer. Teachers and classmates can always count on Rudra
to turn in her work on time with great effort placed into the
assignment. Rudra is a good role model for all Erik Ramstad students.
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Megan
Rupe
Megan
Rupe is a Senior attending Minot High School, Magic City
Campus. Megan is the daughter of Margo Mitchell.
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Megan
Rupe is a remarkable, caring young lady. Megan shows great character
in everything she does. Megan is a team player with a heart full
of generosity. She is always responsible and accountable in all
circustances and she’s willing to step up to the plate when
others are not, even if the job isn’t the most enjoyable
or attractive to complete. Megan is generous and self-sacrificing
for the good of her fellow persons. She is extremely respectful
and caring.
Megan is actively involved with the Character Counts! Club, Key
Club, Skill USA, and the National Honor Society. Megan also is
employed as a Certified Nursing Assistant and she is a very responsible,
respectful, caring and hard working young lady at the hospital.
Megan shows a maturity much beyond her years and she already role-models
positive character on the job when helping fellow CNA’s
working with hospital staff and patients. She is always showing
a caring spirit and listening with understanding to the needs
of others. She believes in applying the Golden Rule to daily life
and she’s looking for ways to make a good difference in
the lives of others. Megan was very helpful in our community with
clean up after the Minot flood.
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John
Thomas Salling
John
“JT” Salling is a Junior attending Bishop
Ryan High School. JT is the son of John and Lorenda Salling.
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JT was
nominated by Boy Scout leader, George Smith. He is a person of
exceptional character. He stands out from the crowd in the way
that he demonstrates caring, respect, responsibility, and citizenship
in everyday dealings with classmates and staff. JT always shows
respect for those around him. He challenges others to be respectful
by his example.
He is a very kind, caring, and compassionate person. JT always
conducts himself with excellent character on a daily basis. He
is very pleasant and polite. JT always has a big smile that brings
cheerfulness to others. He’s always positive and upbeat.
JT is involved in Envirathon, Students Against Distructive Decisions,
and Science Olympiad. He participates in band and choir and volunteers
at his church and school. He is an Honor student who always strives
to do his best in school.
JT is an Eagle Scout who sets goals and works hard to achieve
them. He helped with the landscaping of the
penguin enclosure at our zoo, he also helped in building
a storage shed for a local animal shelter, and helped in replacing
a retaining wall near the main entrance of the zoo. He organized
and led his own eagle project of replacing the rotting deck in
front of an elderly friend’s home. He helps with feeding
the hungry and keeping our local campgrounds looking neat and
inviting.
JT and his family were flooded this past summer and he was very
helpful during that entire ordeal.
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Kendra
Sjol
Kendra
Sjol is a Senior attending Minot High School, Magic City
Campus. Kendra is the daughter of Scott and Bonnie Sjol.
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Kendra
is very involved in school, church, and community activities and
strives to make things better. In school she takes part in national
Honor Society, Science Olympiad, and the Character Counts! Club.
She is an exceptional student, takes challenging classes, and
is currently at the top of her Senior class. At church she serves
as a mentor to younger children and volunteers in many different
roles. She volunteers with middle school girls at church, leads
Bible study, helps in the church nursery, Children’s Vacation
Bible School, and has been involved in four mission projects.
Kendra coaches volleyball and softball, helps with Dream Catchers,
reads to children at a daycare, helps at the Salvation Army, and
is involved with numerous events to benefit various good causes
in our community.
Kendra’s home was flooded this past summer and she worked
diligently to help her family and also other families come through
this ‘trying experience’.
Kendra believes that, “Success is not a place at which one
arrives, but rather the spirit with which one undertakes and continues
the journey”. Kendra Sjol was a 2007 - 2008 National American
Youth Character Award recipient while an 8th grade student attending
Jim Hill Middle School. Kendra continues to impress all with her
kind and caring attitude. She is one who leads by example and
is always willing to put others needs above her own.
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Rylin
Sortland
Rylin
Sortland is an 8th grade student attending Erik Ramstad
School. Rylin is the son of Marc and Stephanie Sortland.
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Rylin
is an organized, resourceful, and responsible young man. He is
constantly thinking about how to help others and make the school
and community a better place. He’s willing to take on any
new challenge to see positive results helping others.
Good sportsmanship is important to Rylin. He is involved in hockey,
football, swimming, and track and makes sure that his attitude
is positive ~ ‘win or lose’.
Rylin is competitive but in a fair manner, he plays by the rules
and treats all involved fairly.
Rylin is kind and compassionate. He volunteers in his church and
at multiple community activities including Feed My Starving Children
and Adopt-a-Highway Program.
When many Ramstad teachers were flooded last summer and began
to clean out their houses, Rylin would show up and work. No job
was too hard or too messy for Rylin to help. He hauled out wet
debris, took down drywall, pulled nails, cleaned out basements,
or anything that was needed.
Rylin is very comfortable around adults and he always has a very
respectful attitude towards others.
Rylin can bring a smile to your face and he possesses
a wonderful sense of humor.
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Character Builder Award Recipients |
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| The
Minot Character Counts! Coalition realizes that building character
doesn't take place in a vacuum and that it takes many people pulling
together in order to make lasting character changes in our community.
The Minot Character Counts! Coalition is pleased to recognize
the accomplishments of the 2011 - 2012 Character Builder Award
recipients: Mayor Curt Zimbleman
and Ben Berg |
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True character is revealed when we face obstacles
and have to make difficult decisions. The City of Minot has experienced
one of the most devastating events in its history with the 2011
Mouse River Flood. Water flooded personal and public property
and thousands of people have been displaced and suffered losses.
As a result, residents and city leaders had to join together to
deal with the destruction.
When Curt Zimbelman was elected as Mayor of Minot, no one would
have envisioned that we would be facing a city disaster to the
magnitude of the 2011 flood. Mayor Zimbelman has put forth countless
hours and demonstrated an unending commitment to our city residents.
Public service isn’t easy under normal circumstances, and
when compounded with the magnitude of issues Minot experienced,
it can be exhausting. It is said, “Circumstances do not
made a man, they reveal him.”
Prior to the flooding, it was well known that Mayor Zimbelman
was a man of character. However, the recent events
further reinforce Mayor Zimbelman’s outstanding
character. Mayor Curt Zimbelman is a remarkable individual whose
history and commitment to Minot (and the surrounding area) exemplify
great character. He is a lifelong resident of Minot and a graduate
of Minot Model High School and Minot State University. Along with
being the Mayor, he is also a Senior Vice President of First Western
Bank.
The powerfulness of Mayor Zimbelman’s character can be seen
in the account from one of our flooded citizens. “On June
21st I was packing up my home in anticipation of the Mouse River
flood. The whole situation was surreal. Do I have to move all
of my belongings today? Is the projected water really coming our
way? I knew it was real when I saw the look on Mayor Curt Zimbelman’s
face. I caught an interview after one of the many press conferences
that day and he said, “Minot is going to be a lake.”
Those words were hard to take, but I finally had the answer I
was looking for, I trusted what this man said.”
We saw a lot of the Mayor after that day. Every press conference
brought comfort and a little bit of hope from him. Mayor Zimbelman
cares about his city and puts the needs of his citizens first.
Many heated debates have ensued from the flood event, but the
Mayor has always listened to all sides and conducted himself in
a fair and responsible manner.
Minot has a long road of recovery ahead. The uncertainty is scary,
but I know Mayor Zimbelman will do everything in his power to
protect his citizens and the community. I have great respect for
Mayor Curt Zimbelman. His leadership has guided us and will continue
to lead us into the future.” |
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According to Gloria Burner, Magic City Campus
did not have a Character Counts Club until Ben Berg helped Gloria
to get it going. During his senior year, Ben served as the Character
Counts Club President; he created a series of Character Counts
Jeopardy Games for our elementary and middle schools that spread
like wildfire throughout the Minot Public School district; Ben
joined the Minot Community Character Counts Coalition; and Ben
began to help organize and deliver presentations at the annual
Celebrate Character and Character Ethics Day events.
When a Senior attending Minot High School, Magic City Campus;
Ben was a recipient of a 2007-2008 Minot American Youth Character
Award.
In his personal life, Ben always strives to do the right thing.
Anyone who encounters Ben will find that he is kind, caring,
and friendly with his peers, younger children, and adults equally;
a person’s age makes no difference to him.
Since graduating from Minot High in 2008, Ben has continued
to serve on the Minot Character Counts Coalition and has worked
extensively with the Character Counts Club at Magic City Campus
as a role model, mentor and volunteer. Ben has helped with the
Homecoming Parade, Dream Catchers Halloween and Easter parties,
and he assisted with planning the Snow Flake Dance with all
proceeds from the dance going to benefit student led Character
Counts projects throughout the school year with a significant
contribution also being made to the Muscular Dystrophy Association.
Ben shops at Christmas time with local families in need, with
money being provided by the Magic City Campus Character Counts
Club. Ben brings many ideas to the Minot High School Character
Counts Club. He has gone above and beyond to promote the 6 pillars
of character in the Minot Community and he has given his time
selflessly in the spirit of “Pay it Forward” by
being involved with numerous Community Service Projects.
Ben is a full time student at Minot State University majoring
in Marketing and Business Education. His goal is to teach at
Magic City Campus after graduation. Ben serves as the current
President of the North Dakota College DECA; he is an entrepreneur,
and was the general contractor in the construction of 5 new
homes in Minot; Ben has used most of the profits from the sale
of these homes to pay for his college education; Ben recently
acquired rental property and has now become a landlord; and
he continues to work at the Thomas Family Funeral home where
he treats all clients and families with the respect and dignity
they deserve. Ben Berg is truly deserving of this award.
|
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Award Recipient Archives |
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| . |
Last
Name |
First
Name |
Award
Received |
Year
Received |
| A |
Aarseth |
Lindsay |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
31, 2007 |
| |
Atcher |
Joshua |
National
American Youth Character Award |
April
9, 2003 |
| |
Atkinson |
Josh |
National
American Youth Character Award |
October
25, 2001 |
| B |
Backes |
Katelyn |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
27, 2010 |
| |
Bahl |
Ethan |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
25, 2012 |
| |
Beaudoin |
Joshua |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
28, 2009 |
| |
Beecroft |
Kristen |
National
American Youth Character Award |
October
17, 2000 |
| |
Bengson |
Emily |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
28, 2009 |
| |
Benjamin |
Samantha |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
25, 2006 |
| |
Bent |
Ryan |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
26, 2011 |
| |
Berentson |
Tyrone |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
27, 2010 |
| |
Berg |
Ben |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
30, 2008 |
| |
Bleigh |
Chelsea |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
28, 2004 |
| |
Bliss |
Erin |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
28, 2009 |
| |
Bloms |
Megan |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
28, 2004 |
| |
Bloms |
Megan |
American
Youth Character Award |
October
25, 2001 |
| |
Blowers |
Tim |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
28, 2009 |
| |
Boeckel |
Gabrielle |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
26, 2011 |
| |
Boschee |
Joshua |
National
American Youth Character Award |
March,
2000 |
| |
Brooks |
Brittany
C. |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
26, 2005 |
| |
Brunner |
Jessica |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
28, 2004 |
| |
Brunner |
Nichole |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
25, 2012 |
| |
Buchholz |
Alex |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
28, 2009 |
| |
Burckhard |
Elizabeth |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
26, 2011 |
| |
Burckhard |
Julia |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
27, 2010 |
| C |
Charley |
Matthew |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
30, 2008 |
| |
Charley |
Meghan |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
25, 2006 |
| |
Coffin |
Ashley |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
28, 2004 |
| |
Coffin |
Ashley |
American
Youth Character Award |
October
25, 2001 |
| |
Cornman |
Chris |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
25, 2006 |
| |
Coronado |
Eddie |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
25, 2006 |
| |
Crockett |
Amanda |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
28, 2009 |
| |
Crockett |
Danielle |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
26, 2005 |
| |
Cross |
Shelby |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
27, 2010 |
| |
Crowdus |
Kaitlin |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
26, 2011 |
| |
Cushing |
Charles |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
28, 2004 |
| D |
Dannewitz |
David
|
National
American Youth Character Award |
October
17, 2000 |
| |
Davis |
Elisa |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
30, 2008 |
| |
DeMers |
Lucas |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
25, 2012 |
| |
DeMers |
Zac |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
30, 2008 |
| |
Deneham |
Brett |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
28, 2004 |
| |
Dodd |
Ryan |
National
American Youth Character Award |
April
9, 2003 |
| |
Donamaria |
Kacey
Monique |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
25, 2012 |
| E |
Eggert |
Jayd |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
30, 2008 |
| |
Eggl |
Blake |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
31, 2007 |
| |
Eisenzimmer |
Mason |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
31, 2007 |
| |
Erickson |
Jacob |
National
American Youth Character Award |
October
25, 2001 |
| |
Essler |
Jared |
National
American Youth Character Award |
March,
2000 |
| F |
Ferrara |
Lisa |
National
American Youth Character Award |
October
25, 2001 |
| |
Field |
Mitchell |
National
American Youth Character Award |
October
25, 2001 |
| |
Filler |
Chris |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
28, 2004 |
| |
Foster |
Danielle |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
30, 2008 |
| |
Frueh |
Ryan |
American
Youth Character Award |
October
25, 2001 |
| G |
Glueckert |
Brian |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
28, 2004 |
| |
Goldade |
Joe |
National
American Youth Character Award |
October
17, 2000 |
| |
Gordon |
Alicia |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
25, 2006 |
| H |
Hall |
Emily |
National
American Youth Character Award |
October
17, 2000 |
| |
Hankla |
Lauren |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
31, 2007 |
| |
Hase |
Tanya |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
28, 2004 |
| |
Haskins |
Kori |
American
Youth Character Award |
October
17, 2000 |
| |
Hassler |
Holly |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
25, 2006 |
| |
Heidlage |
Nichalaus |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
25, 2006 |
| |
Helseth |
Kayla |
American
Youth Character Award |
April
9, 2003 |
| |
Herrod |
Christine |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
26, 2005 |
| |
Holmen |
Jacob |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
27, 2010 |
| |
Holmen |
Micah |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
31, 2007 |
| |
Horner |
Chelsea |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
28, 2009 |
| |
Howard |
Ian |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
25, 2012 |
| |
Huff |
Madison |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
26, 2005 |
| |
Hughes |
Lateasha |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
26, 2011 |
| J |
Jacobsen |
Courtney |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
27, 2010 |
| |
Jenkins |
Krista |
National
American Youth Character Award |
March,
2000 |
| |
Johnson |
Aaron |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
30, 2008 |
| |
Johnson |
Rebecca |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
25, 2006 |
| |
Jones |
Taytum |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
25, 2012 |
| K |
Keller |
Anne |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
25, 2006 |
| |
Kjos |
Skylar |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
28, 2004 |
| |
Kline |
Kayla |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
25, 2006 |
| |
Kline |
Kelsey |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
25, 2006 |
| |
Knutson |
Brooklynne |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
25, 2012 |
| |
Kraft |
Cassandra |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
31, 2007 |
| |
Krause |
Melissa |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
25, 2006 |
| |
Kroke |
Amber |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
31, 2007 |
| |
Kunnanz |
Shane |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
26, 2005 |
| |
Kuske |
Megdalyn |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
28, 2009 |
| L |
Larson |
Kelsey |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
28, 2004 |
| |
Larson |
Kolton |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
27, 2010 |
| |
Lawson |
Lora |
American Youth Character Award |
October
17, 2000 |
| |
Lennon |
Malena |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
26, 2011 |
| |
Leonard |
Kylee |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
25, 2006 |
| |
Luetzen |
Kent |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
25, 2006 |
| |
Lysne |
Bethany |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
26, 2011 |
| M |
Magnuson |
Trevor |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
31, 2007 |
| |
Mappes |
Kristin |
American
Youth Character Award |
April
9, 2003 |
| |
Martelle |
Carter |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
25, 2012 |
| |
Mattson |
Malori |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
26, 2011 |
| |
McDowall |
Max |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
28, 2009 |
| |
Mehlhoff |
Stephanie |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
25, 2012 |
| |
Melby |
Paige |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
27, 2010 |
| |
Moilan |
Kaisa |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
25, 2006 |
| |
Moos |
Darren |
National
American Youth Character Award |
March,
2000 |
| |
Morgan |
Jordan |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
31, 2007 |
| |
Moum |
Jayden |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
27, 2010 |
| |
Moum |
Jayden |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
26, 2011 |
| |
Murphy |
James |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
30, 2008 |
| |
Murtha |
Grace |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
28, 2009 |
| N |
Naze |
Abigail |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
25, 2006 |
| O |
Olson |
Stephanie |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
30, 2008 |
| P |
Patel |
Rudra |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
25, 2012 |
| |
Pitner |
Maria
Dawn |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
26, 2005 |
| |
Poissant |
Sebastian |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
26, 2005 |
| R |
Ricker |
Adrienne |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
26, 2011 |
| |
Rimatzki |
Sarah |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
26, 2011 |
| |
Rintoul |
Christine |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
28, 2009 |
| |
Rommel |
Jerrica |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
25, 2006 |
| |
Ronnie |
Megan |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
26, 2005 |
| |
Rubbelke |
Michael |
National
American Youth Character Award |
April
9, 2003 |
| |
Rupe |
Megan |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
25, 2012 |
| S |
Salling |
John
Thomas |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
25, 2012 |
| |
Sanstrom |
Stephanie |
National
American Youth Character Award |
October
25, 2001 |
| |
Schimke |
Matthew |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
31, 2007 |
| |
Schmidt |
Casey |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
25, 2006 |
| |
Schutt |
Adam |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
26, 2011 |
| |
Schweitz |
John |
National
American Youth Character Award |
October
17, 2000 |
| |
Sharpe |
David |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
28, 2004 |
| |
Sjol |
Kendra |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
25, 2012 |
| |
Sjol |
Kendra |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
30, 2008 |
| |
Slater |
Seinquis |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
25, 2006 |
| |
Smesrud |
Mark |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
25, 2006 |
| |
Smesrud |
Sheila
Ann |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
28, 2004 |
| |
Smith |
Carrie |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
31, 2007 |
| |
Smith |
Casey |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
26, 2011 |
| |
Solper |
Jake |
National
American Youth Character Award |
October
25, 2001 |
| |
Sortland |
Rylin |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
25, 2012 |
| |
Spitzer |
Jewel |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
25, 2012 |
| |
Spokely |
Tiffany |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
25, 2006 |
| |
Stach |
Emmalee |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
27, 2010 |
| |
Stanley |
Blaise |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
26, 2011 |
| |
Stanley |
Jacques |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
30, 2008 |
| |
Stanley |
Jacques |
National
Amerian Youth Character Award |
January
26, 2011 |
| |
Steckler |
Thomas |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
28, 2004 |
| |
Stenberg |
Kaitlyn |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
26, 2011 |
| |
Storbeck |
Brandon |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
27, 2010 |
| |
Strand |
Jenny |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
25, 2006 |
| |
Streitz |
Lisa |
National
American Youth Character Award |
October
17, 2000 |
| |
Strube |
Grace |
National
American Youth Character Award |
March,
2000 |
| |
Struckman |
Katherine |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
26, 2005 |
| T |
Tennyson |
Whitney |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
25, 2006 |
| |
Ternes |
Justin |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
26, 2011 |
| |
Tescher |
Laramie |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
28, 2009 |
| |
Theis |
Nicholas |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
25, 2012 |
| |
Theis |
Nicholas |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
30, 2008 |
| |
Thompson |
Ian |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
31, 2007 |
| |
Thrailkill |
Jacob |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
31, 2007 |
| |
Tonneson |
Alyssa |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
27, 2010 |
| |
Tonneson |
Alyssa |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
26, 2011 |
| |
Tutaan |
Kathleen |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
28, 2004 |
U |
Uscensky |
Alison
Rae |
National
American Youth Character Award |
March
2000 |
| V |
Van
Dusen |
Brandon |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
28, 2009 |
| |
Vetter |
Austin |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
30, 2008 |
| |
Vinje |
Megan |
National
American Youth Character Award |
April
9, 2003 |
| W |
Washek |
Nathan |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
28, 2009 |
| |
Waswick |
Travis |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
31, 2007 |
| |
Waswick |
Travis |
National
American Youth Character Award |
April
9, 2003 |
| |
Weatherspoon |
Joshua |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
26, 2005 |
| |
Wheeler |
Joshua |
National
American Youth Character Award |
April
9, 2003 |
| |
White |
Sarah |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
25, 2006 |
| |
Williams |
Dominique |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
25, 2006 |
| |
Wong |
James
D. |
National
American Youth Character Award |
January
26, 2005 |
| Y |
Young |
Cassie |
American
Youth Character Award |
January
31, 2007 |
Return
to the Award Recipient Archives
Return to the Main Menu
| Last
Name |
First
Name |
Award
Received |
Year
Received |
Berg |
Ben |
Character
Builder Award |
January
25, 2012 |
Dormont |
Dr.
Richard |
Character
Builder Award |
January
27, 2010 |
Fischbach |
Dr.
Arie |
Character
Builder Award |
January
30, 2008 |
Hoeven |
Jack |
Character
Builder Award |
January
26, 2011 |
| Latimer |
Dr.
Lowell |
Character
Builder Award |
January
31, 2007 |
Minot
Daily News |
Doug
Corbett |
Character
Builder Award accepted by
Doug Corbett |
January
30, 2008 |
Stenson |
Larry |
Character
Builder Award |
January
28, 2009 |
WGO/The
Zoo |
Chris
Kelly |
Character
Builder Award accepted by
Chris Kelly |
January
27, 2010 |
Zimbelman |
Mayor
Curt |
Character
Builder Award |
January
25, 2012 |
Return
to the Award Recipient Archives
Return to the Main Menu
| Last
Name |
First
Name |
Award
Received |
Year
Received |
Dueber |
Shelly |
Dr.
Irwin J. Epstein Award |
October
25, 2001 |
Gray |
Dr.
T. Kevin |
Dr.
Irwin J. Epstein Award |
January
28, 2004 |
| Jones |
Dr.
Jason |
Dr.
Irwin J. Epstein Award |
April
9, 2003 |
Return
to the Award Recipient Archives
Return to the Main Menu
| Last
Name |
First
Name |
Award
Received |
Year
Received |
Bubach |
Marj |
Teacher
of Character |
January
30, 2008 |
Johnson |
Sue
Ellen |
Teacher
of Character |
January
30, 2008 |
Mau |
Cindy |
Character
Leadership Award |
January
30, 2008 |
| Tschetter |
Jim |
Administrator
with Character |
January
30, 2008 |
(Williamson)
Graven |
Annette |
Teacher
of Character |
January
30, 2008 |
Return
to the Award Recipient Archives
Return to the Main Menu
This
page was created by Steve Beutler on February 15, 2012
|
