Honoring city youth for the good they do

Angelique Flores

HUNTINGTON BEACH -- One boy gave his crying, younger buddy his own

soda money even though it meant going without a drink for himself. A

little girl asked her birthday party guests to bring gifts to take to a

homeless shelter instead of gifts for herself.

Seventy-five children who have made positive decisions showing strong

moral character have been nominated by their teachers, principals,

coaches, pastors and nurses to receive the Youth Character Award.

“Even though some of them are so young, they’re still aware of moral

character and helping someone in need,” said Mary-Ellen Cianciabella, a

member of the Huntington Beach Children’s Needs Task Force, which

sponsored the award.

The task force along with the city launched the youth recognition

program -- the Huntington Beach Youth Character Awards -- based on the

program developed by the Character Counts! Coalition.

The awards are the only ones that honor young people solely for

achievements that demonstrate an enduring commitment to qualities

associated with good character.

“It’s important to demonstrate you value those character traits,” said

Shirley Carey, chairwoman for the Huntington Beach Children’s Needs Task

Force.

The character awards are not given to recognize children for isolated

acts of heroism or achievement in academics, leadership, athletics or the

arts. Instead, they are designed to honor young people who have

consistently demonstrated the six pillars of character: trustworthiness,

respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. They have also

shown examples of community service, generosity and self sacrifice,

overcoming obstacles and making difficult choices.

“Not all kids can get straight A’s, but all kids can have these

values,” she said.

The task force hopes to eventually create a Hall of Fame for all the

honorees.

“All you ever read about in the paper are the bad kids, but there are

a ton of them out there who do lovely things,” Cianciabella said.

The students will be recognized at a ceremony during the Huntington

Beach Police Department’s Open House at 11 a.m. Saturday. Seventeen of

them will be honored at the May 21 City Council meeting.

Anyone interested in contributing to the Character Awards and becoming

a Community Character Builder can call the Huntington Beach Community

Services department at (714) 536-5496.