On May 22, the Center for Academic Excellence (CAE) held the first Minnesota State Schools of Character and Promising Practices Award Ceremony in the Minnesota State Capitol Rotunda. Special guest speakers included Commissioner of Education Alice Seagren, Representative Dean Urdahl, and Karen Rusthoven, Executive Director and Principal of the Community of Peace Academy in St. Paul.
Wanda Sommers Wall from CAE along with Commissioner Seagren and Representative Urdahl offered congratulations and distributed awards in recognition of schools in Minnesota who have successfully implemented character education programs. A short reception followed the ceremony in the Minnesota State Capitol Great Hall.
Commissioner Seagren spoke fondly about her work with students in Minnesota and the importance of character education. She greeted all students attending the award ceremony with a smile and a warmness representative of a true character education advocate. Representative Urdahl, a former seventh grade teacher, spoke powerfully about the need for character education in schools to overcome “discipline deficit disorder…an inability to delay gratification, self-centeredness, and a rampant consumerism.” Representative Urdahl stressed character education leads to “core traits like patience, respect and putting other people’s needs on par with your own.” Rusthoven spoke of the tremendous gains at the Community of Peace Academy after implementing a successful program in character education. Rusthoven stated her school climate has positively impacted all students, teachers, and staff.
Click to view comments by Representative Dean Urdahl and Karen Rusthoven, Director and Principal, Community of Peace Academy.
Photos from the Ceremony: (Please click on each image for a larger view)
