Character 'Counts' in Queen Anne's County

GRASONVILLE — Character Counts of Queen Anne’s County honored more than 100 dedicated coaches striving to make a difference in the lives of students with its annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner at Hyatt Place Kent Narrows April 18.

Character Counts focuses on building students’ character skills and shaping a positive school culture. And this mission remains stronger than ever with invaluable contributions of volunteers to the nonprofit organization.

A slideshow of volunteer’s achievements over the past year recognized the commitment from Character Counts coaches from across the county. Whether finishing up a rookie year or going strong with several years under their belts, all volunteers were lauded for their commitment to coaching and mentoring county children.

Boy Scout Troop 278 led the Presentation of Colors and the Pledge of Allegiance. The Kent Island Kids Choir sang the National Anthem.

This year, over 100 volunteers spent more than 700 hours delivering character education experiences at Queen Anne’s County Public Schools, according to Melinda Ray, Character Counts coordinator.

“Their impact is immense and we are incredibly grateful for their dedication to our initiative,” she said.

Notable award recipient was Tim Clark who celebrated 24 years with Character Counts.

Reflecting on his time as a coach Clark said, “You’ve got to love it and believe in it. It’s something anybody can get behind.”

Volunteers are always sought to make the community and the lives of students a better place and Clark encouraged anyone with an inkling of interest to get involved and make a difference in the lives of children and local schools.

With its increase in volunteers, Character Counts has been able to place coaches in no less than 98% of kindergarten through fifth grade classrooms. Coaches have also been available in eight pre-kindergarten classrooms and in all of the county’s middle schools.

Character Counts implements strategies and resources to help improve students’ character, social-emotional, and academic skills and improve school culture through character youth programs, instilling a sense of belonging to carry them through school and beyond.

Character Counts of QAC can trace its origin back to 1999, when the tragedy of the Columbine High School shooting brought over 125 volunteers together to strive in ensuring no child would experience that in Queen Anne’s County, Wayne Humphries, committee co-chair said.

“The community really came together. We were able to see similarities in our own area,” he said.

Humphries regaled success stories of students who have grown to become coaches themselves and the eyes of children that light up when they see their coach in public.

“Doing it and not getting paid for it can really mean a lot to them because it means you’re doing it from the heart,” he said.

Highlighting program successes over the past year, Ray noted Character Counts recently implemented a Student Ambassador program that has been met with great enthusiasm in getting fourth and fifth graders representing their classes and involved in responsibility and good stewardship.

And the recently implemented school staff recognition program has already recognized over 170 school staff members including teachers, administration, custodial and cafeteria staff, she said.

Character Counts regularly partners with other organizations including the parks and recreation department. Businesses and nonprofits are continually encouraged to be a part of the Business of Character program to support fundraising efforts.

For 25 years, Character Counts has placed over 1,500 coaches in QACPS to provide thousands of character education experiences and continues strong as a nonpartisan nonprofit initiative that envisions community where all ages practice esteemed values, according to Ray.

Volunteers around the county are dedicated to ensuring programs highlighting outstanding individuals modeling the Six Pillars of Character at school and around the community. Each month the Queen Anne’s county commissioners proclaim one of the Six Pillars of Character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship.

April’s pillar has been trustworthiness, fitting for the organization dedicated to standing as a reliable beacon of support.

Marveling over the banquet hall filled with volunteers and members of the community, Humphries said, “I am so grateful we have people like this in our community. It has been a wonderful celebration to celebrate some wonderful people.”

More information about QAC Character Counts can be found at https://www.peopleofcharacter.org.