The energetic and dedicated leader of the CharacterWorks program in Russellville/ Logan County has received a statewide award for her efforts. Lisa White, however, modestly says the award belongs to the program, not her.
Last Friday, at the 2013 PNC/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet Sixteen State Basketball Tournament, Secretary of State Alison Lundergan Grimes recognized nine Kentucky educators and community leaders for their work to promote civic education across the Commonwealth. White, who is assistant principal of Russellville Middle School, was one of them.
“I am constantly inspired by young Kentuckians who exhibit the values, skills and enthusiasm that are the hallmarks of responsible citizens,” said Grimes. “I know that behind each of them is an unsung hero who invested his or her own talents and energy into the success of this state and its youth, and this award is a great opportunity to recognize them for their outstanding work.”
The Kentucky Outstanding Civic Education Leadership Award recognizes teachers, school administrators, legislators and community leaders who have made notable contributions toward promoting or implementing civic learning to prepare students to be active and engaged in their communities.
Yet when White sent out a mass email to those supporting CharacterWorks, she called it an award for the program, not herself personally. She wrote, “CharacterWorks is being recognized by the Secretary of State. The award is called Outstanding Civic Educator Award, which recognizes organizations that not only impact education but also involve communities for positive change. Projects that have won in the past were recycling and service learning projects.”
She thanked Superintendent Leon Smith for suggesting the nomination, Russellvillle Schools Public Relations Coordinator Alicia Carmichael for writing the nomination, and Russellville Councilwoman Sandra Kinser and librarian Evelyn Richardson for writing letters of support.
“Lisa is being very modest,” Carmichael says. “There are so many great school districts in that category and Lisa’s hard work was obviously outstanding among those. She’s always so modest, though, and that’s why her program is a success, I think. It’s all about how she can help the kids. She has a wonderful, caring heart.”
Superintendent Smith says, “Special thanks to Lisa and all the work she has done to promote character education not only in Russellville but Logan County!”
In an April 2012 article that she wrote for The LoJo, White said, “CharacterWorks is a campaign that is focusing on character development of our youth and families of Logan County. CharacterWorks will provide support and recognize our youth that exhibit strong character such as integrity, determination, honor and respect. Each week, we will recognize youth who exhibit strong character. During festivals, parades and community events, our students of character will lead the activities as they develop into our leaders of tomorrow.
“CharacterWorks’ purpose is to provide a unified focus on supporting and recognizing our young leaders of tomorrow. Through a strong mission, our youth will benefit because they will realize that having strong character is so important to ones success, that our entire county is behind CharacterWorks.”
White was honored as the best in the Fourth Region, which is the same as the athletic regions, including 17 high schools in 11 counties.
Rick Blackwell from Mercy Academy in Louisville received the overall 2013 Kentucky Outstanding Civic Education Leadership Award. Blackwell spent 20 years in the classroom before assuming the role of Service Learning and Leadership Coordinator. “Beyond simply creating service opportunities, his program teaches and enables students to create change in their community and world and is recognized nationally as a model for service learning,” says Lynn Sowards Zellen, director of communications for the Office of the Secretary of State
The other finalists were Marshall Ward (Calloway County High School), Michael T. Baker (Hancock County Industrial Foundation), Timothy Holman (DuPont Manual High School), Lindsay Duke (Grant County High School), Brian McDowell (Mason County Middle School), Helen Williams (Hazard High School) and Kelly J. Wilson (Bath County Schools)/
Each finalist received a plaque and was recognized at center court of Rupp Arena, thanks to the PNC/KHSAA Boys’ Sweet Sixteen Basketball Tournament organizers. In addition, Blackwell received a $500 award to be used for school resources and equipment. Awards and prizes were made possible by the contest’s co-sponsors, the Kentucky Administrative Office of the Courts and Kentucky Department of Education.