Kaye not only is a devoted teacher to her 4th grade class but also is involved in coaching youth sports and cheerleading. She has also developed a premiere leadership-training program for High School students through her affiliation with YMCA camp Thunderbird. Kaye’s state of the art learning environment not only challenges kids with the latest technology but she inspires them with her enthusiasm. A poster in her classroom reads" Nothing great was ever accomplished without enthusiasm" According to her principal Paul Prichard "If you agree to partner with Kaye on a project, you had best be ready for hard work, high expectations. A creative spin, and an opportunity to work along side of someone with strong values and a great sense of humor" He also states "Kaye is a person I look up to and from who I have learned many life lessons about leadership, collaboration, teaching and parenting. Thousands of others would say the same."

Know as " Foundation Builder" Her influence goes beyond her students by making an impact on the parents of her children. Her Family Hero project recognizes people who contribute love and support to others in Families. Parents have reported on how the program has brought families closer together. Kimberly calls this Families of Character Day a time set aside so parents can join their students in a celebration of the importance and impact of Character Development on each other. As reported by one of her colleagues Kimberly leaves many pleasant memories in the memory banks of her children. Her principal reports how Kimberly raises thoughtful questions that challenge children to demonstrate respect and good citizenship. The right side of the report card is more than a grade it a way of life.

As the School Counselor Jeannie has organized numerous activities for students from K through 6th grade. From the Kids of Character program she coordinates, morning announcements offering words of Wisdom, Guidance Classes offer further insight in the payoffs of respect and responsibility. Her principal reports Mrs. B never misses an opportunity to extol the benefits of showing good Character. The "Shining Knights" Ticket program catches kids demonstrating good character. Special lunches are arranged for students who demonstrate character traits such as Trustworthiness, Caring, Respect and Responsibility Most important It’s Jeanne’s daily modeling and promotion of school wide character development that sets her apart.

Together Ms Donahue and Mr Pawlewicz have collaborated in designing a citizenship program which includes peace building, Conflict resolution, environmental activism and school climate . According to Rober Ike principal "Both have been major contributor in creating a local and global perspective that improves kids decision making skills and how those decisions effect others. " He further stated " through their efforts they have painted a portrait of human rights. They have made the Student Code of Conduct a living document that promotes positive decision making, peace-makers and Caretakers. We salute your efforts to promote ethics and character in our Middle school kids.

Terry is an enthusiastic, involved teacher who strives to infuse her students with a sense of responsibility and respect toward themselves and others.

As a teacher, Terry is focused on presenting her curriculum in a manner which requires student participation. Her History Alive program gives students a realistic view of historical events and allows them to interact with one another in portraying these events.

Terry's willingness to facilitate numerous extracurricular activities is impressive. She donates her time and energy without reserve to the Human Relations Forum and provides enjoyable and informative Unity Week activities for all Irvine High students. She is dedicated to trying to bring students of different cultures and ideas together through harmonious participation.

Terry feels that it is important to encourage dialogue among various groups so that students can figure out where others are "coming from".

If one characteristic strikes me, it is Terry's ubiquitous empathy. She sincerely understands human nature and feels the pain of others. Her involvement in the Homeless Project attests to her desire to raise the level of awareness of her students toward the less fortunate.

Cindi Baker 8th grade Social Studies' instructor and is department chairperson who is responsible for overseeing curriculum, instruction, resources, and personnel in the Social Studies' department.

In support for her recognition her Principal Juliet Blackmon states "Cindy has become a catalyst for character education and is a firm believer that all students must be knowledgeable of civil rights and civic awareness at a critical level. Her classes compel students to critically explore issues of integrity and justice.

In 1999 Cindi was selected by her fellow teachers to become Teacher of the Year at Davis Drive Middle School. She was also selected to a Wake County Superintendent's panel which became a two year seminar entitled.

Conversations about Diversity: Does Race Matter? In her own words: Teachers who are creative, respectful and challenging, not only educate their students, but are also remembered for a lifetime. They respect the individual differences of each student and set high expectations for all. If students are challenged in creative ways to a higher level of expected achievement, they experience the joys of discovery (which is learning).

Parents describe Cindy's gentle nurturing and professional teaching ability in giving youth a variety of lessons in the area of Civic Responsibility, Self Discipline, Good Judgment and Self Esteem.

"The conscience of children is formed by the influences that surround them; their notions of good and evil are the result of the moral atmosphere they breathe." Jean Paul Richter

The atmosphere that children breathe in Dina Balfours classroom includes compassion, kindness, generosity and respect. She has demonstrated by the numerous successes over the years that Character Development is paramount in her classroom at Ashley Falls School in the Del Mar Unified School District Del Mar California.

Her demeanor as a role model is noteworthy in cultivating kindness, developing good manners and respect among her students. A parent of two young boys in her classroom writes their childs "academic performance has been nothing short of perfection"

Dina has a proven tract record for not only guiding her students but also guiding parents by showing love and kindness for the children in her classroom. In the words of Carol and Edward Cohen, parents from the foundation that Dina Balfour created- "children grow into self confident and compassionate children" "Dina really creates a structured environment and caring leadership" "Dina has created a lasting impact on both of our children"

Dina’s colleague are equally generous with their comments about her calm and gentle communication and perseverance and patience in working with children." She uses problem solving strategies to identify the causes of misbehavior and gives unconditional affection and affirmation to each of her children" Mrs. Balfour is always calm with her children. " She has a gentle and congenial demeanor always promoting positive child guidance throughout her career.

Mrs. Balfour not only recognizes the power of great literature for children but is the driving force behind a county wide program called Books for Babies"

One of the things that set her apart and make her one of our National Educators of the year is her passion in stimulating academic growth in her students but also the perseverance she demonstrates in building social and emotional growth in her students.

You’ll never meet anyone more passionate and skillful when it coming to providing leadership for teachers in promoting core ethical virtues throughout her school. She is a climate creator superb!

Because of her great listening skills and leadership skills teachers and parents focus all their energy on strengthening children in developing strong ethical foundations in her preschool in Corona, California.

Trish believes individual make a difference and that by building relationships, modeling character traits and providing young children with the tools you can make a significant difference.