The Six Pillars of Character is an integral part of the Highland Park community philosophy. To become more productive citizens of the future, children need to develop a set of core values that they can build on and call on throughout their lives to guide their behavior and attitudes. They also need adults serving as role models of good character. Six building blocks of character – trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship – form the foundation of character education. These building blocks are inseparable parts of a complete attitude that will help children reduce risk behaviors, improve achievement and develop personal integrity, and for adults to live together in a civil manner.
These goals cannot be accomplished through the efforts of any one teacher, parent or institution. The responsibility for developing a nation of morally conscious students must be shared by all. Only through shared commitment can we hope to raise the level of character consciousness.
Character Counts Pillar Award: The Character Counts Steering Committee is a collaboration between the City of Highland Park, North Shore School District 112 and Highland Park High School, which honors nominees whose beliefs, attitudes and actions consistently exemplify the six pillars of character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. The Character Counts Steering Committee selects and presents the "Character Counts Pillar Awards,” and is now seeking nominations for these awards. Nominees must live, work, volunteer, or attend a school in the North Shore School District 112 boundaries. Criteria for the nomination do not include activities performed within the normal scope of one’s job. Nominations must be submitted by someone other than a family member.
Nominations for the Character Counts Pillar Award closed Sunday, December 31, 2023.
There will be an awards ceremony on April 11, 2024 at 6:30 PM to acknowledge this year's recipients.
For more information contact Christina Earle at 847.926.1861 or cearle@cityhpil.com.