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*Teacher profile: Ms. DeMoss *Opinions on violence in Sudan *Sevendust music review ... and more!

Volume 47 Edition 19

Student organization donates materials, services to Guatemalans Kellie Petersen Staff Writer

As a project that would reach beyond the community, Students for Social Responsibility (SSR) held a drive from Feb. 26-March 7 to collect school supplies and personal hygiene items for the Safe Passage organization.

Safe Passage is an organization that was founded to better the lives of the children and their families that live in the poverty-stricken slums surrounding the Guatemala City garbage dump.

Safe Passage provides schooling, a healthy meal and basic hygiene needs to over 500 of these children.

“We often take for granted free

schooling or just basic needs like being able to take a shower. A lot of these kids don’t have that,” English teacher Teresa Martin said. Martin, along with other staff members Jennifer Juhl, Abby Hendrickson and Julie Stoffer, are the faculty advisers for SSR. These items will be delivered to Guatemala free of charge by a group of students from the UNI Lutheran Student Center who are also planning a trip to the country to work with the Safe Passage organization.

Martin agreed that the drive had a good turnout and commented on how well the SSR members had done with it.

“The kids have been really respon-

sive. They have done a nice job,” Martin said.

As for SSR members, many of them were happy with the turnout of the drive and that they had a chance to participate in the project.

Junior SSR member Joe Mason donated five toothbrushes, five sticks of deodorant, shampoo and conditioner and school supplies. Mason said that at first he questioned spending so much money on donations for the drive, but once he put the donations in the box he was happy that he had contributed.

“I love helping out. It makes me feel good about myself. I realize there are people that are less fortunate then myself,” Mason said.

Sophomore Michael Miller also contributed some school supplies to the Safe Passage drive. Miller said that he felt it was important to provide school supplies and services to the children of the Guatemala City dump because of our social advantages.

Donating supplies is a great way to contribute, but junior Michael Streicher is taking it a step further. Streicher will actually be visiting Guatemala this summer as part of a mission trip with Bethlehem Lutheran Church. While in Guatemala, Streicher will tour the Safe Passage site and help serve lunch to the children there. Streicher said that the group would also be performing other services projects in the area, such as

building furniture.

“I wanted to go on this trip because as Christians, we called to serve the kingdom on earth. I feel that by going to Guatemala and serving the poorest of the poor, I will not only help them, but the experience will help me grow spiritually as well,” Streicher said.

Besides the Safe Passage charity drive, SSR also held a movie night on Thursday, March 1, that showed the documentary “Recycled Life,” which was about the children and families that live near the Guatemala City dump.

“Movie nights were originally intended to bring us together socially, but we are finding ways to give them a social conscience,” Hendrickson said.

DECA sends record number Jazz I returns to Jazz Champs of CF students to Nationals Torie Jochims With just four veteran members, Staff Writer

After lots of hard work starting before January, Jazz I has been invited to the Iowa Jazz Championships again this year.

The band has been rehearsing and entering contests through the whole jazz band “season,” and now it seems all their hard work is paying off in a big way.

“I was happy to find out the band had been invited, since they’ve been working so hard all year,” Jazz I director Kyle Englehardt said. “I found out on Sunday, March 11, and was able to e-mail everyone in jazz band over spring break.”

Jazz I went through several performances with the same set of tunes, but for the Jazz Champs, the band will be mixing it up a bit.

With a short time to prepare, there is more effort being put forth in order to be 100 percent ready.

“We only have three weeks to prepare, but we’re going to be adding a tune, a swing piece titled ‘Just You, Just Me,’” Englehardt said.

This will bring the band’s final set to a total of four tunes consisting of “Dear Old Stockholm,” “Fantazm,” “Just You, Just Me” and “Night In Tunisia.”

Jazz Champs is a prestigious contest, and getting in is much harder than simply playing well.

“I wasn’t sure what to expect about Jazz Champs this year. Out of the 18 people in Jazz I, only four of them were returning members from last year,” Englehardt said.

Any uneasiness he may have had at the start of jazz band was put to rest quickly, however.

“I was encouraged early on, though, by how

hard everyone worked, and after our first contest in January, I felt like we really had a strong shot at an invitation again this year.

The band works really well together,” Englehardt said.

Englehardt isn’t the only one excited about the accomplishment, though. He said the kids are pretty revved up about it as well.

Jazz I was one of only 15 4A jazz bands in the state invited to play at the festival.

Having an invitation to Iowa Jazz Champs (IJC) as a recurring thing is a comfort to the returning members of the band.

“The students in the band that have been before really look forward to going back to Des Moines,” Englehardt said.

Jazz I has been invited to the IJC for a several year run.

“We’ve been for quite a few years in a row now, and it’s a good time. It’s fun to play at the Civic Center, and it’s really nice to have a chance to perform for an audience of jazz aficionados,” Englehardt said.

It wasn’t an easy trip to get to where they have made it this year. Englehardt said that the band has pulled a lot of extra practices this year. It seems as though the extra time and effort is definitely not going to waste.

The IJC takes place April 3 at the Civic Center in Des Moines. There are jazz bands performing all day starting at 8 a.m. and going to 4:30 p.m. Jazz I will be performing at 11:30 a.m. that day.

For more information and a complete schedule of the bands playing, visit www.io wajazzchampionships.org.

Honor Heindl Staff Writer

Twenty CFHS students attended the state DECA competition held in Des Moines last Monday and Tuesday, Feb. 26 and 27 to show off their business skills with other high schools.

Cedar Falls High School had a record-breaking 11 students qualify for Nationals this year.

“Going to Nationals means that we will be competing at the highest level of competition. We are competing against schools from all over the U.S. We are preparing for Nationals by studying hard and going over the materials needed. I’m stoked! It’s going to be so much fun with all of the people going, and it will be a good experience,” junior Natalie Craig said.

State champions include Tony Patterson with his franchising abilities, Stephen Miller and Bryce Duchman who teamed up in sports marketing, Whitney Gerholdt and Natalie Craig in hospitality marketing, and Jacque Chizewsky in retail merchandising. Jon Relph had the highest scores in the General Marketing test and Stephen Miller was also ranked first for the Marketing Math test.

Four others came in a close second in other categories. Cedar Falls also had three students take third place in various sections, two in fourth place and seven students received honorable mentions.

The students were required to either complete a business project such as writing out a business plan or enter in a series event in which they do a role-play (problem solving) in front of a judge and take a 100-point marketing test on various topics like automotive, sports and entertainment or apparel.

DECA is a nationally affiliated organization for

high school students, which gives teenagers the opportunity to develop skills in leadership, communication, human relations, employability and civic responsibility and CFHS students proved they are leaders in these areas by qualifying several students for Nationals.

“Last year CF qualified a then record number of seven for national competition. In the past we have had two or three students qualify each year. The last couple years have been quite exciting,” program administrator Matthew Flaherty said.

This wasn’t a process that just happened overnight, though; students began preparing back in November of 2006. Some wrote papers, did projects or researched. If they wanted a different path, they could team up for an event and study sample tests and look through previous role-playing situations.

Contestants from 55 schools in Iowa held their collective breath on Feb. 26 and 27 as they waited to see who placed 1st and 2nd, which would automatically transfer them on to the national level.

“Cedar Falls ended up doing very well at State.

Compared to other schools, we were definitely one of the top schools there. The best part was probably getting first at State with the best partner ever,” Craig said.

“I thought it went really well. I was so excited for the students and they were so professional at the competition. They represented CF in such a positive manner,” Flaherty said, “Many compliments were paid my way from judges and other advisors on how professional the kids were. I was just really proud of this group, and they all should be acknowledged for their efforts and accomplishments.”

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Our View

OPINION

‘Bong Hits 4 Jesus’ student within his free speech rights

In 1969, three high school students from Des Moines wore black armbands in peaceful protest of the Vietnam War. In response, the school board had all three students suspended and sent home. The students plead innocence under the First Amendment and their case, Tinker vs. Des Moines, reached national prominence. The Supreme Court held on behalf of the three students and declared that, from that point, all students would be protected under the First Amendment to express themselves peacefully on school grounds. Though this decision was first heard nationally 38 years ago, there are still occasional violations of Tinker vs. Des Moines.

In 2002, at a Juneau, Alaska, high school, senior Joseph Frederick held up a controversial banner just outside school property that read, “Bong Hits 4 Jesus.” He held it up during an Olympic torch relay with the sole intention of amusing his friends and other witnesses who were attending the school event. After the principal saw his sign, however, she automatically suspended him for 10 days for promoting illegal drug substances. Frederick felt as if his freedom of speech rights were violated. Many, including the Hi-line editors, agree with Frederick that he was protected under Tinker vs. Des Moines.

Not only was Frederick expressing his “views” peacefully, but he was also off school property when he displayed the sign. What’s more, he also had no illegal substances of any kind with him at the time.

Now, the issue is receiving national recognition. Attorney Kenneth Starr, who is best known for the Monica Lewinsky fiasco during the Clinton administration, recently sided with the school board, arguing that Frederick’s actions were out of line. The verdict has yet to be heard from the U.S. Supreme Court.

Though the humor motivating Frederick’s sign may have been questionable, he cannot justly be suspended on immaturity alone. And as the display was peaceful and not directly influencing drug use, Tinker vs. Des Moines should have been a strong motivator against his suspension.

Write the Tiger Hi-Line

The Tiger Hi-Line is a weekly publication of the journalism classes of Cedar Falls High School, 1015 Division St., Cedar Falls, Iowa 50613.

Each edition is published on Wednesdays during the school year in The Insider and Waterloo/Cedar Falls Courier, 501 Commercial St., Waterloo, Iowa 50701.

Columns and letters do not necessarily reflect the opinion of the HiLine or Cedar Falls Schools. The Hi-Line editorial staff view is presented weekly in the editorial labeled as Our View.

Reader opinions on any topic are welcome and should be sent to the Tiger Hi-Line staff or delivered to room 208. All letters must be signed. Letters must be submitted by 3 p.m. on Thursday for publication the following Wednesday. Letters may not exceed 300 words and may be edited to meet space limitations. Include address and phone number for verification.

Editorial Staff Editors-in-Chief-Sheila Moussavi & Kirstin Riggs News Editors-Kelsey Ihde & Audrey Kittrell Opinion Editors-Andrea Huber & Robb Klassen Sports Editors-Josh Betts & Katy Schult Feature Editors-Briana McGeough & Willa Simmet On-Line Editors-David Jacobson & Olivia Schares

Solving Problems Abroad

Use American freedoms to ensure global rights Currently, citizens in the United States are arguing over whether or not we should be fighting in Iraq, but when it really comes down to it, how many are actually doing something in efforts to make things right? We blame our president for sending us to war when less than six years ago the vast majority would have supported him. You can’t fully blame George W. Bush when we live in a democracy, and he isn’t the only man in power.

Our war isn’t even as painfully excruciating and hopeless as others we rarely even hear about.

The small African country of Rwanda is home to two major ethnic groups: the Hutus, who make up 88 percent of the population, and the Tutsis who make up 11 percent. Throughout the country’s history, the two groups have always had a lot of tension, but from April of 1994 to July, Rwanda suffered one of Africa’s largest, yet shortest massacres.

“Growing up, life was OK. My parents told me the tribes had some tensions in the past because the Hutu wanted to overthrow the Tutsi-ruled government,” 23-year-old Nancy Umuhire said.

During the genocide, the Hutu extremist political groups tried to wipe out the Tutsi population. The country was already very low on the food chain due to a poor market economy, but after the war, the annihilation of roads, hospitals and agriculture was unbelievable. The militia still continues to campaign and support this ethnic extermination and the groups are trying to expand.

“I was only 10 then, but I do have some memories just of us running around and trying to save our lives,” Umushire said. “When the president died, that night we had to run away because we knew we were on the list of people to be killed. Before the war, we had identification cards that said whether we were Hutu or Tutsi, so we had to escape.”

The war all began when the president was flying to Kigali and the plane was shot down. Military and militia started brutally torturing and killing Tutsis and even some political people or Hutus who were against the war.

“I remember when it all started, we left town. We went to hide with a friend of my dad. Moving from one area to another at night, people would come

“I think in most countries, before genocide can happen, there’s always something wrong with the government. There are always signs, but people just ignore them.”

Honor Heindl Staff Writer search his house because they thought some people were hiding there. We had to go hide in the corn fields or bushes.

That’s when you’d hear the screaming of people being killed,” Umuhire said, “After the war, you’d walk around and see bodies lying all over the place.”

“During the war, we were pretty much abandoned I would say, because they were killing thousands and thousands of people every day.

Outsiders thought ‘they should leave them alone; they can take care of themselves’ because it was within one nation. We were all split up; I ran and hid with two of my brothers during the war. Fortunately, my father was overseas during the war, but my third brother and mom did not make it.”

Ordinary Hutu citizens would listen to the radio and media, following whatever commands the militia made.

One million bodies lay on the grounds of Rwanda as the Rwandese Patriotic Front (RPF) finally overthrew the genocidal government; one seventh of the population had been destroyed.

For the most part, things are running a lot smoother and citizens of Rwanda are at peace. There’s a lot of hope and potential for the nation.

“It just surprises me that the war is not a very big concern,” Umushire said. “We all said ‘never again, never again’ with Rwanda. I think in most countries, before genocide can happen, there’s always something wrong with the government. There are always signs, but people just ignore them.

We used to be persecuted, but we never thought that one day the Hutus would want to kill us. The international community should have laws against dictatorships. Living in the U.S., it’s hard to understand because everyone’s pretty equal, but there are other countries that have certain groups ruling over other groups, showing significant prejudice.”

Nancy Umushire Tutsi livng in Cedar Falls

Just because we’re not talking about Hitler and his cruelty toward the Jewish race, doesn’t mean we shouldn’t worry about what another similar government is presently doing to an African group, no matter how subtle the case.

I know the violence and fault goes both ways in almost every situation, but violence, as cliché as it sounds, is never the answer. We as humans cannot let our hunger for power drive us to such extremes where it becomes a game to see what tribe or race can wipe out the other the fastest.

Although there are not always presidents we particularly love in office, as U.S. citizens, we should be grateful we still have a say in what happens to our country or who holds the power.

Whether you are 16 or 60 years old, consider the hardship and oppression in the lives of millions of people of other nations. Write a letter, consider your vote, give dollars to aid organizations or human rights groups and pray for all who are in positions of power whose decisions impact lives. Maybe you will be a part of healing the nations.

However, history is repeating itself in Sudan, another African country.

Facing one of the deadliest and longest wars of the 20th century, Sudan’s disputes between tribes and races have caused more death than the war in Iraq, U.S. and Iraqi soldiers combined.

If you want to find out more details on this story, visit the Tiger Hi-Line website at hi-lineonline.shorturl.com.

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Dickinson Dash

SPORTS

Albrecht, 4X200 relay team lead men’s track at final indoor meet Josh Betts Sports Editor

The CFHS men’s track team looked to turn in a good performance Saturday at the Dickinson Relays, a meet that featured 59 teams from throughout the state, and was their final indoor meet in preparation for the outdoor season.

Head Coach Bob Schmidt talked about his team’s performance.

“I was pleased,” Schmidt said. “Due to some illness and personnel problems, we had people running different events. They did well.” No team points were kept in this meet.

Schmidt talked about how the indoor season differs from the outdoor season.

“You really can look at the young

kids and get them in the right events for outdoor meets,” Schmidt said of the outdoor season. “We use it to evaluate talent.”

“It’s a different mindset,” Schmidt said. “You’ll always run better outdoors. It’s a different track setup indoors.”

The Tigers had several great races in the meet, highlighted by Corey Albrecht’s victory in the 400 meters in 50.02 seconds, and a runner-up finish in a time of 1:33.89 seconds for the 4X200 meter relay team of Brian Harrington, Brandon Nelson, Phil Clark and Corey Albrecht. West Des Moines Valley won the 4X200 in a time of 1: 31.45 seconds.

“The 400 is a premiere event,” Schmidt said. “For Corey to win in a

Tiger women’s track team performs well at indoor meet Katy Schult Sports Editor

The Tiger women’s track team had its annual Mississippi Valley Conference indoor track meet at the UNIDome last Monday, March 19.

The team had a good showing at the meet with many second and third place finishes.

In the 3,000-meter race, junior Kelsey Davis finished second with a time of 11:17. Davis was only seven seconds behind the winner, Meredith Bell, from Washington High School.

The 4x800 meter relay team finished fifth place overall. The team consists of sophomore Paige Hersom, senior Alissa Llewelyn, sophomore Liz Bauer and junior Summer Andersen.

In the distance medley relay, the Cedar Falls finished second place only 10 seconds behind the first place Iowa City West team. The Cedar Falls team is made up of sophomore Brianne Hutchins, junior Nina Savage, junior Danielle Sturm and junior Leah Blanchard.

Also, the Cedar Falls 4x200 meter relay team, consisting of sophomore Natalie Reindl, sophomore Allison Duchman, Sturm and Hutchins placed fifth.

In the 60 meter hurdles, Savage finished first place with a time of 9.13.

Anderson from Cedar Falls finished sixth place in the 800-meter race with a time of 2:36.40.

The sprint medley relay team placed third place overall—only less than a second behind the Xavier and Linn-Mar teams. The team is comprised of senior Raquel Faccianni, Reindl, Savage and Sturm. The team had a time of 2:00.30.

Also, CF had a second team in the race that finished sixth place.

The second team is made up of Libby Daggit, Chelsea Steil, Jennifer Pham and sophomore Anna McGee. Leah Blanchard from Cedar Falls placed fifth place in the 1,500 meter race with a time of 5:18.00.

The 4x100 meter relay team finished fifth place overall with a time of 53.62. Facciani, Reindl, Charla DeVries and Savage make up the team.

Finally in the 4x400 relay race, the team finsihed fifth with a time of 4:28.53. The team is made up of Duchman, Keeley Orvis, Hersom and junior Emily Highland.

The Saturday event wrapped up the indoor season for the Tigers, and the team now looks forward to another successful outdoor season this year. Be sure to watch the Tigers tomorrow night at the CF Early Bird Invite at home starting at 5 p.m.

race that featured 173 entries, it was a great performance. We were pleased for him to run a 50.04 indoors.”

Albrecht has already run a 49.60 indoors this season.

“We ran well,” Schmidt said of the 4X200 meter relay team. “The first three legs put us in a good position. We ran it well.”

The Tigers also got a top 10 finish in the 3,200 meter run from junior Michael Streicher, a top 15 finish in the 1,500 meter run for junior Alex Mark and finishes of 13th and 8th by Kyle Bernard and Jason Goulden in the 400 hurdles. Justin Romero also placed 13th in the shot put.

Said Schmidt of his hurdlers, “They’ll get better and better outdoors.

There is big potential there.”

Schimdt also said Romero came in strong. “I was pleased with Justin.

I thought it was a very good performance.”

Schmidt said that right now his team is strongest in sprints and middle distance, and that talent wise there is good balance at all events.

Schimdt talked about his senior leaders.

“I really like our seniors,” Schmidt said. “They go about their business in practice, and set good examples for the younger kids.”

Schimdt talked about who to watch for in the conference this year.

“I think Iowa City High will be there (in the hunt for the conference title) due to tradition,” Schimdt said.

“Kennedy is outstanding—very strong

CF students take top spots at district track

These Special Olympic athletes who placed in the district track competition at UNI this past weekend: Chuks Asota 2nd-tennis ball throw, 3rd-25m Zack Barnes 1st-100m, 1st-200m Brandon Duncan 1st-50m, 4th-100m Tiffani Flugum 2nd-softball throw, 2nd-25m Russell Hamilton 2nd-50m, 3rd-100m Justin Kaufmann 1st-50m, 1st-100m Matt Lehman 5th-tennis ball throw Faith Millburn 1st-30m wheelchair, 1st-100m wheelchair Tyler Nelson 1st-softball throw, 3rd-50m David Newville 2nd-100m, 1st-200m Anna Wheeler 2nd-softball throw, 3rd-long jump 400m relay 1st-Zack Barnes, Russell Hamilton, David Newville, Brandon Duncan All 1st place finishers have qualified for State.

in sprints (and) Iowa City West is much stronger in sprints this year.”

Schmidt says that his team’s goals this season are to be strong in the conference, to be much better at State and to perform better at the championship level.

Schmidt talked about the events he believes can make the Drake Relays.

“I believe we can get there in the discus, 4X200, 4X400 and the 400 hurdles. We’d sure like to see a lot more.”

The Tiger men’s track team is next in action Thursday, April 5, at the Early Bird Invite at Ankeny High School. The Tiger men’s first home meet is a quadrangular on Tuesday, April 10 at the high school, beginning at 5 p.m.

Tigers in Action Men’s Tennis Next Up: Wahawk Invite @ Waterloo West 3/31 (Away at 9 a.m.)

Women’s Tennis Next Up: Waterloo Columbus 4/5 (Home ar 4 p.m.)

Men’s Soccer Nect Up: CR Kennedy 4/5 (Home at 4 p.m.)

Women’s Soccer Next Up: Metro Jamboree 4/2 (Away ar 5 p.m.)

First Regular season game CR Kennedy 4/5 (Away ar 4:15 p.m.)

Men’s Track competed at Dickinson Relays Next Up: Early Bird Invite at Ankeny 4/5 (Away at 5 p.m.)

Nana Simpson Photo En route to one of her two blue ribbon finishes at the UNI Dome last Sunday in the district track meet is senior Faith Milburn.

Women’s Track competed at Dickinson Relays Next Up: CF Early Bird Invite 3/29 (Home at 5 p.m.)

FEATURE

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Character Counts!

Students, staff discuss impact of character building program Briana McGeough Feature Editor

What characteristics do employers look for when hiring someone new?

Most want an employee who is responsible, respectful, trustworthy and a good citizen. What kind of person is sought after as the ideal spouse? The American norm is to want a partner who is caring and fair.

Feature Analysis As schools nationwide, including Cedar Falls schools, are aiming at a more holistic approach to education, they are beginning to emphasize the importance of relationships and character. The above list of characteristics for a “good” employee and the “perfect” mate are the Six Pillars of Character utilized by the Character Counts! program that the Cedar Falls School District has implemented.

While most agree that the overall goal of Character Counts! is positive and meaningful, there is controversy over whether or not character education is effective. Additionally, many students at the high school are unaware of the Character Counts! program.

The Character Counts! program is a nationwide initiative that is the most implemented approach to character education. It has received the endorsement of politicians as well as the YMCA and the National Education Association.

Although Character Counts! is not the motivation behind homeroom at Cedar Falls High School, it has been incorporated into the curriculum.

“It goes along with the overall goal of homeroom, so we weave it into the homeroom initiative,” CFHS Principal Rich Powers said.

In addition to homeroom, Cedar Falls High School tries to promote character through activities.

“Courage is part of character,” Powers said. “For example having the courage to perform in the musical in front of 500 people is courage.”

Powers said he believes that character development is also the responsibility of students in and out of homeroom.

“To say it should take place in one setting is shortsighted. It is all of our responsibilities to address things when they happen,” Powers said. “As a student, you are able to change others’ minds, speak when you don’t agree and have the courage to share your opinion.”

While Cedar Falls High School has worked to promote Character Counts! in a number of ways, including a pillars of character structure prominently displayed in front of the building, students remain largely unaware of the program.

“Character Counts! is not a secondary schools initiative. Character Counts! is primarily targeted at junior

Students Say...

Does Character Counts! improve high schoolers’ character?

13%

Key

11%

Yes

Sophomores 87%

Juniors 89%

Seniors

No

100%

Briana McGeough Poll 10% of the CFHS student body polled

high and elementary students. The pillars are a common set that most students will be aware of, so we make ties into it,” Powers said.

CFHS biology teacher Deb Paulsen agrees that in time high schoolers will accept the program because they were exposed to it as young children.

“We will see the greatest effect of Character Counts! when the elementary students get to the high school,” Paulsen said. “In a few years both students and faculty will see the influence of it.”

The results of a schoolwide survey tend to support the belief that time will help students accept Character Counts!

The high school students in different grades appear to be responding differently.

“Students did an evaluation in homeroom. Juniors and sophomores benefit more than seniors do,” CFHS English teacher Diane Flaherty said.

Proponents of Character Counts! believe that not just students’ acceptance, but also their confidence in the program will increase in time.

“It’s like any new situation. Trust isn’t developed overnight. It takes time to get comfortable. Current sophomores and juniors will see the greatest growth,” Powers said.

Besides beginning the education earlier, another suggestion by students is to reinvent the way the information is presented.

“I would make Character Counts! more applicable to high schoolers’ everyday lives and less structured,” junior Alana Schneider said.

Like Schneider, many students find the program in its current state ineffective, but a majority believe that it

Kirsten Riggs Photo Above: Acting out the characteristics outlined by the Character Counts! Pillars outside of CFHS are (left to right) juniors Michelle Bamber, James Wilson, Jack Kosmicki, seniors Julia Abbott and Rachel Jensen.

shows promise.

“The idea is good. With a few changes, the Character Counts! message can really get through to kids,” senior Rachel Jensen said. “We need to make it fun and interesting.”

While it is under debate if character can actually be taught, “You can model character and discuss issues, bringing them to the forefront of the minds of adults and students,” Flaherty said.

Many high schoolers do not believe that they are still open to new character education programs by the time they reach high school.

“Since we are teenagers and we don’t listen, it doesn’t impact us. It takes more talking about how it applies to us,” junior Alana Schneider said.

In addition to just modeling character and discussion, Powers said h believes that people can always be educated.

“We all have room to grow and things to learn. None of us is a finished product,” Powers said. “One of my favorite quotes is, ‘Adversity doesn’t build character, it displays it,’ but I do believe that you can develop character.”

The desired affect of Character Counts! is to have a long and lasting impact on students.

“The Pillars of Character is something that you will carry with you your whole life,” Flaherty said.