Character Counts Mid Shore (CCMS) recently announced the top three finalists of the Annual Laws of Life Essay Contest. Mrs. Amy Steward, who has been involved with CCMS for almost 20 years, served as Mistress of Ceremony.
Middle and high school students from 15 schools in Talbot, Caroline, and Dorchester counties submitted 1,168 essays based on how they apply the Six Pillars of Character in their own lives.
Each school has a winner who received a prize of $50 as well as the sponsoring teacher. From the school winners, overall middle and high school winners were selected and those winners received an additional $150 prize.
The student with the Best Essay received the Albert Kennerly Character Counts Laws of Life Scholarship of $2,500. This scholarship was given by Mr. Kenneth Kennerly and his family in memory of his late father who was “a man of great character”.
This year’s Kennerly Scholarship recipient was awarded to Emily Hill of South Dorchester School in Church Creek who based her essay on a quote by Abraham Lincoln; “Character is like a tree and reputation like a shadow. The shadow is what we think of it; the tree is the real thing.” Hill sited how the Pillar of Trustworthiness helped her through a difficult time when a friend said hurtful remarks.
The overall middle school winner was Hannah Greene of Easton Middle School who was awarded the “Choose Joy” recognition sponsored by Cover Your Chin for Charity. Greene reflected on the Golden Rule of the Pillar of Respect. She wrote about the effects of bullying as well as the lessons that her previous Character Coach, Nate Southworth, had taught about being kind to others; lessons that she will always remember.
Aubree Strange, a recent graduate of Caroline Career and Technology Center, in Ridgely was named the overall high school winner. As a summer camp counselor, she has had to practice each of the Pillars of Character as she interacted with the children. These important values will serve her well as she pursues a career as a teacher.
“We are truly thankful for the support of the school’s superintendents, administrators, and teachers. Without this continued assistance, we would not have the opportunity to hear the voices of the students and how they apply character into their lives”, says Susan Luby, Executive Director of CCMS.
Character Counts Mid Shore, Inc. is a non-profit organization that works to espouse positive character development in every aspect of life. For more information about CCMS, visit www.charactercountsmidshore.com or call 410-819-0386.
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