Character Counts! Award Winners Announced

Trustworthiness, citizenship, caring, respect, responsibility and fairness. Those are the six pillars of character the Barrington Junior Women's Club looks for in its Character Counts! award recipients. 

Last night at the Barrington Board of Trustees meeting, seven Barrington citizens were awarded for their outstanding contribution to society through the six pillars of character.

“Tonight we celebrate the citizens in our community who set a wonderful example by living these pillars everyday. And as a celebration of tanks that they many behind the scenes expressions of character that these individuals exhibit in our community,” said Christie Scott of the Barrington Junior Women’s Club.

Julia Bishop, Citizenship: Active parent volunteer and parent at Hough Street School, volunteer in the Barrington area.

“The time and commitment she has given to others is not something she does because she has signed up for a committee, or because she had to, it’s truly something that was in her heart…she was born to serve others, and this is true citizenship,” Scott said about Bishop.

Kayla Bach, Caring: 6th grade student

“Kayla helping her peers regardless of their ability or their personal need, and when the opportunity would arise, Kayla is the first there helping her teachers, Kayla would easily step forward,” Scott said.

Eileen Schroeder, Caring: Aide and Tutor at Countryside Elementary School

“Why does Eileen do this? It can all be summed up from a student leaving his session one day with her as he excitedly runs to his mom and says, ‘This was the best day of my life, I finally got it,’” Scott said.

Al Koller, Respect: VFW Post 7706 Member and Advocate Good Shepherd Hospital Fitness Center Employee.

“He has the unique ability to make each member feel completely welcomed and singularly important on their day…and just as Al shows respect for all, he’s also earned the respect from his community. And he does this because he is honestly interested in the well-being of others,” Scott said about Koller’s contribution to Barrington.

Cindy Schaeffer, Responsibility: Director of Salem Methodist Preschool.

“She leads with calm and grace and creates an environment of caring, compassion, exploration and discovery…A single conversation with Cindy and you understand her very strong sense of responsibility towards others, her sincerity shines so very brightly,” Scott said of Schaeffer’s role at Salem Methodist Preschool.

Sylvia Maxwell, Trustworthiness: District 220 School Bus Driver for Early Learning Center and Roslyn Road Elementary School.

“Sylvia has gone beyond what is called for on her daily routes…after hearing her small children on her bus complaining of being cold, she began making blankets for each of them and passing them around. She does more than just keep our children warm, she keeps them safe which is the most important job that every parent thinks about,” Scott said of Maxwell.

To nominate someone for Character Counts! Award, visit The Barrington Junior Women’s Club Website.