What a Character

Andrew's school is known for its focus on eight character traits:  responsibility, initiative, compassion, adaptability, trustworthiness, respect, optimism, and perseverance.  Each month they highlight one trait.  Every class elects a child who best exemplifies that trait, and they hold a school-wide assembly to honor those students.  It's really fun!  It's all a big secret, and the winners don't know they've won until their names are announced at the assembly.

Last week we got a phone call telling us that Andrew had won the award in his classroom for trustworthiness.  We were to keep it a secret from Andrew and show up to surprise him at the assembly on Friday.  The timing couldn't have been better:  Poppa and Gangee were in town and were able to come as well.

The school has had to become very sneaky about keeping the parents hidden before the ceremony begins because the kids are NOSY.  We were all hidden in a back hallway behind a curtain until our children's names were called.



Andrew high-fiving his classmates after his name was called

This is where it got fun...they played the theme from "Rocky," put a "medal" around the kids' necks, gave them a fake torch, and put them up on a pedestal while everyone cheered.  Let me just say they did it up big.  So there I was, all choked up with happiness for Andrew and fighting hysterical laughter all at the same time.  Most of the kids really hammed it up when their names were called, but there were a couple who were overcome with emotion and crying.  Sweet little things.

It's too bad Andrew is so shy...

The "champ" and his proud family

We are so thankful for our little Andrew the Trustworthy and for a fabulous school that encourages and recognizes children in the pursuit of worthy character traits.