The Shadow
Dear Editor,
I would like to thank you for allowing me the opportunity to inform your readers of a very important topic: “Character Counts.”
October is the month set aside each year to promote awareness of the Character Counts initiative. There was an article in your daily newspaper last week explaining Character Counts, and I would like to speak to the importance of these two words when joined.
Character has been mentioned by many famous leaders over time, and role models have influenced our behaviors throughout history; several examples include Martin Luther King Junior, George Washington, and Eleanor Roosevelt, who said, “Only a man’s character is the real criterion of worth.” Clearly, character is an inherent part of the foundation upon which our country was founded.
In today’s society, our youth should have the opportunity to recognize outstanding character among our community leaders, our state leaders, and our national leaders.
It was in this vein that the Character Counts initiative was implemented. It insures that the six pillars representing outstanding character are practiced regularly, with the hope of building habits promoting strong character in the youth of today and producing individuals who are trustworthy, respectful, responsible, fair, caring, and who exemplify citizenship. Incidentally, the acronym spells: “TRRFCC.”
The Alleghany Foundation, in conjunction with the YMCA, Everyday Elegance, and the local school systems, are providing programming to build confidence and leadership skills among our students.
We as a community must believe that our young people are our most valuable assets, and we must aspire to transform them into tomorrow’s leaders. We must promote their personal growth and assist them in achieving their own personal potential.
In so doing, young people build self esteem and, therefore, are more inclined to practice kindness toward others.
As such, character building may be seen as a pivotal component to improving the world in which we live – one child at a time.
In closing, I reiterate that October is character awareness month – a time to reflect on our own character and to promote the positive attributes associated with the six pillars of the Character Counts initiative.
As October comes to a close, please reflect on making the six pillars of Character Counts part of your daily routine and consider being a positive role model for those around you. Remember, role models can be any age, race, gender or nationality.
As Abraham Lincoln said, “Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.” Character does count – in every action and in every day of our lives. Make your character count.
Sincerely yours,
Dianne S. Garcia Everyday Elegance
Main Street
Covington
