CHARACTER COUNTS! recently recognized six outstanding community members with the third annual Pillar of Character Awards.

Each year, colleagues and employers nominate unsung heroes of the workplace who exemplify the Six Pillars of Character that are part of the CHARACTER COUNTS! mission: Trustworthiness, Respect, Caring, Citizenship, Fairness and Responsibility.

 “CHARACTER COUNTS! established this awards program for workers who set good examples regularly,” said Holly Laiben, the CHARACTER COUNTS! director at United Way of Martin County. “Many employees have strong values and go above and beyond their job description on a daily basis and never receive recognition. These awards help to fill that void.”

This year, CHARACTER COUNTS! received 26 nominations from a variety of businesses, schools and nonprofit agencies.

Following are this year’s employee Pillars of Character, with excerpts from their nomination letters. Each of the six winners received a gift basket and a plaque. The items were sponsored by attorney David Golden.

• Alicia Hohsfield – Whole Child Connection of Martin County
  Alicia has the ability to gain the trust of our clients immediately. Many people struggle with pride and to have an employee that can break down that wall and get to the heart of the matter without anyone feeling inadequate or intimidated is truly amazing. 

• Donna Hosang, Exceptional Student Education, Martin County School District; facilitator, Shared Services Network of Martin County
  Those who know Donna understand that what she does is far outside the bounds of any job description. Donna takes her responsibilities very seriously and has worked tirelessly to bring positive changes to our community.

• Elaine Nelson, receptionist for Dr. Kilgallen's dental office
  Elaine has been entrusted with my practice for 15 years. Those 15 years have been filled with hard work, resourcefulness, professionalism and sheer laughter. She has a gift of caring and is able to make a stranger feel right at home. Elaine is always helping people in need. 

• Diego Sarat, breakfast chef/ambassador, Ramada Inn
  Diego exudes an air of excellence, happiness and compassion. For seven years, he has not missed a day of work. Diego is caring, trustworthy, responsible and respectful. He seems to touch everyone's life in a special way.

• Deputy Sheriff Larry Stripling, School Resource Officer at Indiantown Middle School
  The children hold him in high esteem, and he acknowledges this great responsibility. He consistently goes above and beyond his duties, coaching intramural teams, establishing a Crime Watch Club, and assisting children in times of crises.

• Nick Wood, teacher, South Fork High School
  Mr. Wood cares for each student and strives to prepare them not only for the work force but also for life. The students treat Mr. Wood with high respect because they see this respect modeled in his dealings with everyone. Student trust Mr. Wood and search him out where there is a problem or situation where they need some guidance. 

ABOUT CHARACTER COUNTS!

CHARACTER COUNTS!, now in its 11th year in Martin County, provides character-building activities and projects in schools and civic organizations. CC! presents motivational business seminars and works to increase public awareness of the importance of core ethical values.

For more information regarding CHARACTER COUNTS!, please visit www.charactercounts.net or call (772) 283-4800, ext. 234.