DES MOINES — The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University has recognized 12 Iowa individuals and groups with awards for exceptional character, with Perry High School among the honorees. The 2020 Iowa Character Awards celebration were broadcast Tuesday evening on KDSM-TV FOX 17.
Perry High School received the School of Character Award. Perry Community School District serves a diverse community and is focused on promoting good character at all grade levels. The district has two programs, The Bluejay Way and Capturing Kids’ Hearts, that both emphasize character development, being a team player, and appreciating positive relationships.
Perry High School is committed to being a community leader and organizes opportunities for students to participate in community service projects that support local organizations, businesses, and residents of Perry. Hosting a Veterans Day program and celebrating Homecoming week with a community service day are just a few ways the Perry High School demonstrates character in action.
“Our common purpose at Perry Community Schools is to act with character, make great choices and be a great teammate. We know character is a choice, and character brings each student closer to achieving their goals,” Superintendent Clark Wicks said.
The Ray Center annually recognizes Iowans who show the Six Pillars of CHARACTER COUNTS!: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship. Since 2005, the organization has recognized more than 150 Iowans for showing good character.
The 2020 Iowa Character Awards are presented by Hy-Vee, KDSM-TV, CJM Financial and The Des Moines Register. Additional partners include Iowa Farm Bureau and Alliant Energy. For a complete list of Iowa Character Award recipients, visit IowaCharacterAwards.org.
The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center, Iowa’s home for the CHARACTER COUNTS! and Excellence with Integrity programs, provides character and leadership development strategies to improve civility and develop ethical leaders throughout the world.
