Thursday, August 23, 2012

APRIL 17, 2012 Character Counts Dinner

WATERLOO - CEDAR FALLS COURIER 
March 29, 2012

CEDAR FALLS, Iowa --- Tickets are on sale for the 2012 Cedar Valley Character Counts awards dinner April 17 at the Five Sullivan Brothers Event Center.  This year's awardees include Hellman Associates Inc., business organization of character; Jim Coloff, owner and general manager of 93.5 The Mix and founder of Magical Mix Kids, adult citizen of character; the late Oliver Palmer, 10-year-old Waterloo boy who recently died from a brain tumor, youth citizen of character; Danielle Meyer, seventh-grade teacher at Hoover Middle School, educator of character; Kaitlyn Trampel, senior student-athlete at Cedar Falls High School, pursuing victory with honor awardee; and Lowell Elementary School, school of character.  Keynote speaker will be University of Northern Iowa defensive tackle Ben Boothby, who plans to attend medical school when he completes his UNI education in May. He recently was one of two recipients of the 11th annual Division I Football Championship Subdivision Athletics Directors Association Scholar-Athletes of the Year.  The social begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by a dinner buffet and the awards program.

We were informed that someone had nominated Oliver for the Youth Citizen award and I honestly couldn't think of a better kid to receive it... even if he had already passed on.  It was a wonderful way to remember him and honor him for being a kid of character, which I think he always was, even until the end.  He would always put others in front of himself, whenever he wasn't feeling good he wouldn't complain because he wouldn't want us to worry.  He stuck up for kids being bullied, even though he was the shortest one in stature in the class.  He was always responsible and obedient and would do what I asked whenever I asked him.  He was always very sincere in his prayers even from a young age and was wise beyond his years.  He was an old soul in a little body.  He was very spiritually in tune and always wanted to do what was right.  He always wanted to do things for our neighbors and friends and would always be the first one to plan a surprise party for someone just because he wanted them to feel loved and feel special.  I think all around he was the best example of someone always trying to be the best he could be.  I will NEVER forget his example...

We were so happy to have Oliver's best friends join us for the evening.  I know they got a little teary eyed.  They really miss Oliver so much.  I just love these boys like they are my own.  I recently stumbled across a quote that was so fitting, "A good friend of my son's is a son to me."   

Eden and my mom.
Some kids from Lowell Elementary school got an award for helping the environment.  They even published a book!
Nick and Takoda holding Ollie's award.




Ed, Eden and myself.  Behind us is the Mission statement and the 6 pillars of character.

The 6 Pillars of Character

Trustworthiness

Be honest • Don’t deceive, cheat, or steal • Be reliable — do what you say you’ll do • Have the courage to do the right thing • Build a good reputation • Be loyal — stand by your family, friends, and country

Respect

Treat others with respect; follow the Golden Rule • Be tolerant and accepting of differences • Use good manners, not bad language • Be considerate of the feelings of others • Don’t threaten, hit or hurt anyone • Deal peacefully with anger, insults, and disagreements

Responsibility

Do what you are supposed to do • Plan ahead • Persevere: keep on trying! • Always do your best • Use self-control • Be self-disciplined • Think before you act — consider the consequences • Be accountable for your words, actions, and attitudes • Set a good example for others

Fairness

Play by the rules • Take turns and share • Be open-minded; listen to others • Don’t take advantage of others • Don’t blame others carelessly • Treat all people fairly

Caring

Be kind • Be compassionate and show you care • Express gratitude • Forgive others • Help people in need

Citizenship

Do your share to make your school and community better • Cooperate • Get involved in community affairs • Stay informed; vote • Be a good neighbor • Obey laws and rules • Respect authority • Protect the environment • Volunteer


Since Oliver was nominated and won in our community, he was nominated for the Iowa Character Awards and received an Honorable Mention.