Saint Mary’s in partnership with Synergy & Leadership Exchange hosted the Character Recognition Awards luncheon on May 16 on its Minneapolis campus. Eight schools, leaders, and community programs were honored in five categories: Minnesota Ethical Leadership Award, Minnesota Promising Practices Award, Catholic Principal Award, and Champion of Character.
Peace Maker Minnesota received The Minnesota Ethical Leadership Award which celebrates community programs developing character strengths and ethical leadership skills in its participants. PeaceMaker Minnesota is a non profit organization that helps youth develop positive relational skills to stop bullying and to resolve conflicts peacefully. PeaceMaker Minnesota services has assisted more than 5,700 students in 61 schools.
The Minnesota Promising Practices Award celebrates unique and effective practices schools and youth-serving organizations have implemented that promote character development.
Cologne Academy received a Minnesota Promising Practices Award for “College Shirts & Chants.” All students and staff receive a new college t-shirt every year with a different color for each grade, a different college name for each classroom and Cologne Academy’s logo on the back. The t-shirts are worn on special days and classrooms have a chant that encourages positive character traits, fosters a scholarly spirit, and a reminder of being part of a larger community.
Community of Peace Academy was honored for “Honesty Play.” The fifth grade students prepare a play on the theme of honesty (one of the school’s ethical principles and core values) and present it to the preschool students to help them learn about honesty. The fifth graders grow stronger as a class community by working on a meaningful project and help make the school a more connected place.
Community of Peace Academy was also honored with a second award for “Job Interview Speeches.” Twelfth grade students in Public Speaking class research future careers they want to have, prepare for different kinds of interview questions they may face, and plan how they will respond. Classmates hold mock interviews for them as they prepare to apply for their dream job.
Northfield Area Learning Center was recognized for “Wednesday Schedule.” The school has an alternate schedule where the students implement experiential learning strategies. The students select activities that interest them from knitting, service learning, to mentoring. The goal is to prove a safe, welcoming and respectful environment that shows students they are cared for and valued.
Woodbury Middle School received two awards for “All School Book Study” and “All School Lip Dub.” For All School Book Study staff and students participated in a read-aloud book during the advisory period. The all-school book study provides for dialogue and discussion about character journeys, traits, and virtues exemplified by the characters and the plot. For All School Lip Dub the entire school participated and created an all-school “ lip dub’ set to popular music. The school wide activity helps students and staff to bond with each other and provides students with a sense of belonging and tradition.
Woodbury Middle School was also honored with the Honourable Mention, Minnesota School of Character Award. Woodbury Middle School began its character journey in 2009 with a visioning process that included students, staff, families, and the community. Through intentional leadership and planning, principal Kari Lopez and her staff have developed a strong positive leadership culture with a focus on students, professional development and high expectations for students learning in academic and character.
Kate Wollan was presented with the Catholic Principal Award. Ms Wollan is the principal at Nativity of Our Lord Catholic School in St. Paul. For over thirty-five years, Ms. Wollan has been a pillar of strength and leadership in Catholic education. Father Patrick Hipwell, pastor of Nativity, said, “Ms. Wollan leads with love, faith, integrity, respect, and laughter—inspiring students and teachers at Nativity to be the best versions of themselves and nurturing a love of life-long learning.”
The Very Reverend James P. Burns, IVD, Ph.D. was awarded the Champion of Character. This award was developed by Synergy & Leadership Exchange to honor individuals for consistently demonstrating positive character. Father Burns has served as president of Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota since 2018. Under his leadership, Saint Mary’s strategic plan “Building a Future Full of Hope 2025” introduced a university-wide initiative on character education and virtue formation. The university received a $1.7 million grant from the Kern Family Foundation to support the initiative. His leadership has focused on delivering quality education founded in the university’s Lasallian Catholic mission, which calls for a practical education rooted in character formation and deep grounding in liberal arts. Saint Mary’s character initiative, under his leadership, has extended beyond Saint Mary’s itself.
Matt Hillmann, Ed.D., superintendent of Northfield Public Schools and the Minnesota Association of School Administrators’ 2023 Superintendent of the Year, offered a welcome and his congratulations to the honorees. Michael Lehan, Ed.D. senior vice president and head of school at IMG Academy delivered an inspiring keynote, challenging listeners to know what they stand for and to be mindful of their impact on those around them. Dr. Lehan said, “Understanding our vantage point reveals our blind spots; seeking to understand those around us advances the humanity of the collective. Character rests within knowing and subsequently taking action.”
The Character Recognition Awards are held each year to spotlight character and ethical leadership development, honor schools and community programs with exemplary efforts, motivate honorees for continued effort and success, and inspire others.