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YMCA of Central Stark County

To put Christian Principles into practice through programs that build healthy spirit, mind and body for all.

Focus on Good

"Focus on what your kids are doing right and PRAISE them for it!" – unknown

It has often been said, “That which you focus on is the direction you will go.” In fact, you might have experienced this during your own driving or snowboarding lessons, by looking at the trees or the side of the road, sure enough that is where you ended up. Focus is a very important skill that helps one navigate through this journey we call life.
It is this philosophy that the Ys use when we talk to the students about character counts.

A few of the Ys throughout Stark County work with the schools to recognize students that display excellent character. This is the Paul & Carol David YMCA’s first year for recognizing students on a monthly basis in all 4 Jackson Elementary Schools and the Middle School. Pam Leddon, Associate Executive Director of the Paul and Carol David Y, works directly with the Elementary School Counselors to run this program. The counselors receive a name of a student from each teacher every month and these students are recognized for displaying excellent character. Pam works directly with the Middle School teacher to collect names from each grade communities. There are 3 communities in each grade and each community nominates 5 kids – so there are a total of 45 students recognized each month at the Middle School. The David Y is recognizing over 150 students per month for good character and the counselors as well as the teachers have all expressed how great it is to recognize these kids for having great character which makes them good role models. Several have stated that kids are striving to get the award and they are now focusing on good character!

The North Canton YMCA has been part of the Character Champions for several years in the schools and the teachers and staff find it so rewarding when the see the change in the students and the impact it has on their family and friends. Kathy Yaros, Marketing and Communications Director at the North Canton Y, shared a story of one of the winners she will never forget. Kevin, a middle school student had been a regular here at the Y. Coming from a large family; he was used to pitching in when things needed to be done, but often got lost in the shuffle. He was never the very best student nor was he the most athletic. What he lacked in these areas, he made up for in enthusiasm. When grades came out, or a team roster was put up, his name was never on it. In 6th grade, he was chosen as a Character Champion at the Middle School- (a much harder feat as there are usually only 3 per grade!) Kathy recalls, "He came in to my office, waving his certificate- so excited! He told me that his mom had made a very big deal of this award, one that his siblings had never achieved, that she let him choose his favorite meal for dinner. Soon after that, I noticed that Kevin had “picked up” his game - putting in a little more effort around they Y. He was a dedicated volunteer through Leaders club, and often stopped in to her office after school to see if there was anything that he could help with. He was a true Character Champion in Kathy’s book- Trustworthy, Responsibility, Respectful, Fair, Caring and a good Citizen. Kathy continued, "his smile was contagious, and he had a big heart - I will never forget him."

Pam Leddon, Associate Executive Director
Paul & Carol David YMCA

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KathyYaros, Marketing & Communications Director
North Canton YMCA