Lynne Rowley, Champion of Character
The Edmond City Council and the Character Council of Edmond, recognized Edmond Public Schools’ Director of Elementary Education, Lynne Rowley, as “Champion of Character” for the character trait of decisiveness, during a recent Monday city council meeting.
The trait of decisiveness is defined as, “The ability to recognize key factors and finalize difficult decisions,” said Character Council president, Jim Hulsey, adding that it’s “ … a trait that, more often than not, requires gathering accurate information, keeping a clear perspective toward making the right choices, and weathering criticism as you follow through with your commitment.”
Nominated as a Champion of Character by Cheyenne Middle School Counselor Lisa Kadavy, Kadavy expressed her reasons for nominating Rowley by saying, “Mrs. Rowley is faced with making important decisions on a daily basis for Edmond Public Schools.”
“Mrs. Rowley’s good character is a sure foundation for being able to process information into sound decisions,” continued Kadavy’s nomination. “It takes time and patience to make an effective decision and Mrs. Rowley excels in this area. Decisiveness is not to be confused with rash decision making. Mrs. Rowley knows the importance of consulting with others as needed when making decisions.”
Rowley has been employed with the Edmond Public School System for over 30 years. During that time, she has served in the capacity of an elementary education teacher, an elementary administrator and is currently the Director of Elementary Education.
The theme of “processes information in making sound decisions” is echoed repeatedly, said Jim Hulsey, of Rowley’s nomination.
Dr. David Goin, Superintendent of Edmond Schools, commented, “I’m pleased to hear that Mrs. Rowley will be recognized. When I think about Lynne and the character trait of decisiveness, decisive actions result from the thorough manner in which she approaches her work. She typically is equipped with pertinent information and sound rationale prior to making recommendations and or taking actions related to her responsibilities.”
In addition, Hulsey said, it came as no surprise that Dr. Brenda Lyons, Edmond Associate Superintendent of Secondary Education remarked that, “Lynne Rowley is a person who takes her time to make decisions because she thoroughly researches the possibilities. Because of this thoroughness, when she makes a decision, it is based on fact, not feeling or conjecture.”
“Her character trait of Decisiveness is therefore deserved,” wrote Lyons of Lynne Rowley.
In Kadavy’s summation regarding the benefit of Rowley’s “unique ability to know what facts are important to consider; knowing the right decision to make and take responsibility to see that decision through to completion,” she wrote: “The benefit of Lynne’s actions has produced trust and integrity amongst her many co-workers, students, teachers, families and friends of Edmond Public Schools. Thank you Mrs. Rowley for your continued decisiveness as you serve others and exemplify good character.”
Emalyn Hansen, Champion of Character
The Character Council of Edmond would like to congratulate Emalyn Hansen for being selected as a “Champion of Character,” representing the character trait of Alertness.
The trait of alertness is defined as “being aware of what is taking place around me so that I can have the right responses,” which often requires noticing other’s contributions and showing your appreciation by taking the initiative without being asked.
Emalyn’s mother, Heather Hansen, wrote in her nomination: “Emalyn is a 6 year old little girl. Her older sister has special needs. Emalyn also has a 2 year old brother. She has always taken care of and looked after her siblings. She goes out of her way to display maturity beyond her young years. She always makes sure that her sister is safe and taken care of. If they are away from their parents for activities, like school or dance, she always takes on the responsibility of watching out for her sister. If she sees something misplaced, clothes that need folding, a spilled drink, etc. Emalyn is constantly aware of the needs of those around her. She is an amazing child, and I’m so blessed to have her in my life! ~ Her Mom.”
The benefit was: “She is my little helper. Things are always better because she’s around … helping out daily! Life is a little better because of her touching your life!”
Thank you for being a “Champion of Character” by constantly being aware of the needs of those around you, making life a little easier, and helping Edmond to become a community of character by your example.
Jim Carlile, Champion of Character
The Edmond City Council and the Character Council of Edmond, recognized Jim Carlile, the director of the Edmond Boulevard Academy as “Champions of Character” for the character trait of persuasiveness, during a June 2008 city council meeting.
“The trait of persuasiveness can be defined as ‘guiding vital truths around another’s mental roadblocks,’ which enables us to understand each person so that we can affectively communicate productively; point them in the right direction; avoiding stretching the truth to make it more attractive; appeal to a person’s conscience in terms of character; to wait for the best time, and especially to avoid arguments” said the president of the Character Council of Edmond, Jim Hulsey.
Boulevard Academy is Edmond’s “alternative” high school campus and serves students who for a variety of reasons have experienced little success at Edmond’s comprehensive high schools. Often, they enter the school with a defeated or defiant attitude, with limited hope of graduating.
“Jim Carlile is a very dedicated educator whose influence and persuasiveness with others is enhanced by his demonstrated personal commitment and strong work ethic,” is how Edmond’s Superintendant of Public Schools, Dr. David Goin, describes Jim Carlile in his position as the director at Boulevard Academy.
Jackie Shaw, the director of Edmond Family Counseling Center, who nominated Carlile, believes that, “ … one of the primary benefits for the students and staff of Boulevard Academy has been working under the direction of a true leader who believes in each of them. The school has benefited in its physical changes as well as in the emotional and intellectual environment.
The dropout rate at Boulevard has decreased during Mr. Carlile’s tenure, added Shaw.
According to Goin, the contributing factor is that, “(Carlile) gives the time and attention to these young people in a way that strengthens their resolution to finish high school and look toward the future. His frank communication followed by supportive actions makes a difference in the lives of students.”
Shaw also adds that Carlile, “… has modeled for his students the character, integrity, and values he expects from them,” in order to motivate his students to stretch themselves beyond the limits of their histories and experiences in order to achieve success both academically and personally.
Carlile’s manner is quiet, respectful, and humble. He is firm in his belief in the students and their abilities to reach for their goals. At the same time, he provides healthy boundaries in which his students may feel secure and safe while they are at work, said Shaw.
“Jim’s powers of persuasiveness are evident in the successes of his students and the respect of his staff for him as a director and a person,” added Shaw.
In addition, Jim Carlile has earned the respect and gratitude of his students, as well as that of the Edmond Public School system, the City of Edmond and the Character Council of Edmond.
Persons may nominate a candidate by logging on to the website at
http://www.edmondcharacter.org/nominate or by writing
Champions of Character
P.O. Box 392
Edmond, OK 73083-0392
