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.