By Mary Brienza, Staff Writer
The high school has been named a 2011 National School of Character by the Character Education Partnership, officials reported Wednesday.
”I think it’s a wonderful honor,” schools Superintendent Gary McCartney said.
He said the fullest education is one that has equal parts knowledge and character development.
”(Character is) a crucial piece in the development of a young person,” Dr. McCartney said.
He said the high school being named a school of character is a tribute to the staff and leadership of Principal Timothy Matheney at the high school.
The Character Education Partnership is a Washington, D.C.-based nonprofit organization committed to developing effective character education in schools, according to its website.
High school activities coordinator Gina Welsh said this is the first time the high school was named a school of character and the first time the school applied for the honor.
The application was 25 pages and provided evidence the school followed the 11 principles necessary for a school of character, she said.
According to the Character Education Partnership website, the 11 principals of schools with character are promoting core ethical and performance values as a foundation for good character; defining “character” in a way that includes thinking, feeling and doing; approaching character development in comprehensive, intentional and proactive way; creating a caring community; providing moral action opportunities; offering an academic curriculum that develops character while respecting the students and helping them to succeed; fostering student self-motivation; having a school staff that follows the same values as the students and shares the responsibility for character education; sharing the leadership and long-range support of the character education initiative; engaging the community and family members in the character building effort; and assessing the school culture and climate to ensure good character.
Ms. Welsh said she and English teacher Catherine LaMoreaux wrote the application for the award.
The school previously has been named a State School of Character, and that is how the high school was nominated to be a National School of Character, Ms. Welsh said.
A representative for the organization visited the school as part of the process, she said.
”I am elated,” Ms. Welsh said.
She said a lot of effort went into the application process, and she felt the school was able to receive this honor because of the leadership of Mr. Matheney and because of administrative support.
”It is difficult to maintain the character aspect as kids get older,” Ms. Welsh said.
She said the high school was one of only three public high schools in the country that received the award with the majority of other schools being grammar and middle schools.
It is easier to maintain the character aspect in grammar school than in a large high school since the children are more aware of their conduct in grammar school, she said.
The organization picked 38 public schools, three charter schools, two private schools and a school district as National Schools of Character this year, according to a release.
”Schools of character are places that bring out the best in everyone — students, staff and even parents and community members,” National Schools of Character Director Lara Maupin said in a statement. “This year, a record number of schools demonstrated school cultures that enable all their students to thrive socially and academically.”

