"Good afternoon everyone!  It is a real joy to be with you as we celebrate the first Minnesota Schools of Character Awards Ceremony.

"In 1991, the first charter school law in the nation was passed in the legislative chambers of the great capitol building in which we stand.  Four years later, in 1995, I co-founded Community of Peace Academy, a chartered public school on the east side of St. Paul. Having been an educator for nearly 30 years, I hoped to create a kinder, more peaceful school environment; a school in which each person would be treated with unconditional positive regard and acceptance.

"Now in its thirteenth year, Community of Peace Academy serves a diverse population of 607 students, pre-K to 12.  The vision of this public school is to educate the whole person---mind, body and will---for peace, justice, freedom, compassion, wholeness and fullness of life for all.

"In 2003, the staff of Community of Peace Academy decided to apply for a National School of Character Award.  To our great delight, Community of Peace Academy was named a National School of Character that year.  The NSOC Award is given to ten schools each year and has been given to both elementary and secondary schools, to public, private, parochial and charter schools; to schools of all sizes and to urban, suburban and rural schools.  These schools all have one thing in common.  They exemplify the 11 principles of character education as defined by the Character Education Partnership in Washington DC.

"As is true of the NSOC Award Program, the MSOC Awards Program recognizes schools and/or districts that excel in exemplifying the 11 principles, and demonstrate outstanding character education initiatives that yield positive results in student behavior, school climate, and academic performance.

"I am here to testify that following the 11 principles of character education, will yield much more than positive results in student behavior, school climate and academic performance.  Following the 11 principles will positively transform every facet of your school or district including governance, staff morale, facilities, finance, community relations and parent involvement.

"Having experienced the positive, life changing results of this approach to public education, for the past 13 years, I am honored to have the opportunity to encourage others to become State and National Schools of Character.

"I want to congratulate the teachers, staff members and students of each of the schools that are being honored today.  Becoming a school of character requires the total commitment of all members of the school community to a new way of doing business.  This work is not easy, but the rewards are often awe inspiring.

"On behalf of the teachers, staff and students of Community of Peace Academy, I offer our warm congratulations.  We would be honored to have you visit our school and to offer our support to your efforts.

"Every student, every teacher and every staff member deserves a School of Character.  Let’s pledge to work together to encourage and inspire many other schools and districts to embrace the 11 principles, so that one day every school in Minnesota will be a school of character."