Spy: Before we talk about the Race, could you tell our readers what Character Counts does and what role it plays in the community?
Character Counts! Kent County is a nonprofit organization with the specific goal of providing a character education program for students in our local schools. We facilitate weekly volunteer delivered character lessons for public school students in grades pre-k through 9 and assist in providing character education programs in local private schools. Our volunteers, known to their students as Character Coaches, are valued members of our community; business professionals, retired educators and community activists. Through our lessons we are able to directly impact 1,700 Kent County students each week.
Spy: How do you teach such things as “character”?
A person’s character is the sum of their habits, attitudes and attributes. It is made up of qualities that are learned over time, qualities that can also be taught. Good character doesn’t happen automatically, it needs to be reinforced, discussed and rewarded in order for it to be practiced.
Our community volunteers all deliver the same message; good character is and always will be critical for success. As they spend time each week with students discussing the core values of character, the Six Pillars of Character: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Fairness, Caring and Citizenship, our coaches are reinforcing the importance of character, the importance of being able to right choices. Our community’s Character Coaches are valuable assets and serve as role models in the formation of good character for our Kent County students.
Spy: Who came up with the idea of the Turkey Trail Trot?
The concept of the Turkey Trail Trot for Character was brought to us by a community member last year. A longtime supporter of CC!KC, Kiki Jones wanted to be able to do something to help with the fundraising for the CC!KC program so she approached us with the idea for an event. As a nonprofit, our program is dependent on community support. The idea of an event that could bring the community together for our cause and help us raise funds for programming seemed like a great idea. Kiki’s experience in event planning and desire to help the CC!KC program brought success to our 1st annual event last year. Kiki has been working hard with Crow Farm, our gracious event host, to get ready for our 2nd annual Turkey Trail Trot for Character event this November 23rd.
Spy: Why do you think it is so popular?
The root of the events success is in the cause; our community has wholeheartedly embraced CC!KC and our goals of character education. We reach almost all Kent County residents in some form, whether they have been through our program themselves, are directly involved as coaches/volunteers or know someone currently receiving character education in a Kent County school. The continuation of our programming is very important to the community; all funds raised in the Turkey Trail Trot for Character go directly to programming in classrooms. Because of this the community wants to help, people are signing up to participate and local businesses are stepping in with support and sponsorship for the event. We are very excited to have everyone come together to support our cause.
Spy: Who is the one to watch for winning this year?
Last year we had some very strong competitors, Steve Wheeler was our overall race winner. Is there anyone out there in the Kent County than can upset him this year? This isn’t your typical Kent County 5k race, the trail course and cross country like terrain offers unique challenges to participants. While we expect great competition, the race is open to all who wish to participate, runners and walkers. We’d like to thank our participants and sponsors in advance for their support and dedication to our program, you are helping us make a difference in the lives of Kent County students.
Race Details
5K walk/run
1K kids fun run (under 11)
November 23rd 2013
Race starts at 10:30 am
Registration starts at 9:00am
Held at Crow Farm in Kennedyville
Registration is open now at active.com
Madhu Sidhu can be contacted at 410-778-6684 or [email protected]
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