Yorkville Intermediate School Involves the Community in its Character Counts Assembly

On Monday, October 21st Yorkville Intermediate School hosted its annual Character Counts assembly, a school-wide event focusing on the 5 pillars of good character: respect, trustworthiness, caring, responsibility, citizenship and fairness. 

Coordinated by the Character Counts Committee led by President, Lauren Campbell and emceed by YIS 5th grade teacher, Jim Higgins, the assembly reinforced to students the importance of one's character. 

Several community members and students gave brief testimonials about how upstanding character influences them. Board member, Dean Fisher, discussed how the 5 characteristics have played a role in his job as a buisness owner as well as his volunteer positions on the District 115 School Board and Boy Scouts of America. He stressed that one's word is everything. 

Similarly, police officer Tim Kolowski discussed how every pillar plays a unique role in his job and how he feels it his duty to serve. As she explained her role as volunteer, lunch aide and parent, Jill Harker emphasized responsibility, respect and caring. 

She mentioned that in her service to Meals on Wheels she's learned that respecting people often requires patience, but that doing kind things for others is gratifying. Equally impactful were the presentations given by students, who willingly shared a few words about what individual character pillars mean to them. 

Fourth graders Paige Ingemunson and Saige Avery discussed trustworthiness, and Logan Caho and Lucas Fisher presented on respect. Fifth graders Logan Laughrey and Aleah Smith emphasized fairness, and Chase DiVito and Angel Rosales explained the importance of responsibility. Sixth grader Dana Malinowski talked about citizenship, and Rachel Hunter and Chloe Grunwald spoke about caring. 

As students and staff entered and exited the gymnasium, the Yorkville High School Marching Band generated enthusiasm and during the assembly, the YIS Orchestra entertained the crowd. The assembly was a great kickoff to the week's Character Counts focus, promoting positive behaviors, purposeful decision-making and responsible living. 

Provided by Y115