School Programs for Building Character Month Two of the events being offered during Building Character Month focus mainly on youth and our area schools. These events were designed and endorsed by our Business Committee and Arts Committee to promote a greater understanding concerning the benefits of Good Character. These events are our Essay Contest and our Regional Ethics in the Workplace. Essay Contest: Our essay contest is offered to Middle Schools Students and they use the Six Pillars of Character (Trustworthiness, Caring, Respect, Fairness, Responsibility, and Citizenship) as topics for writing their essay's. Last year's regional winner received $800 in US Savings Bonds and Scholarship Vouchers worth $10,000 from Roanoke College (Voucher redeemable if they attend Roanoke College). Rotary Sponsorship and a commitment from Roanoke College has made that same award available again this year. By October 7th, essays should be collected by teachers and submitted to school judges. October 14th, School Judges submit winners to District Judges. And on October 21st, District winners are submitted to Regional Judges. The Regional Winner will be announced before the end of October. For more information>>>>> Ethics in the Workplace Workshop: This program is primarily for High School Students preparing to enter into the workforce. The Workshop itself, focuses on Ethical Dilemmas and provides a forum for discussion about possible solutions. On October 28, at the Salem Civic Center, from 8:15 to 1:30 we will be hosting a Regional Workshop. The following schools have been invited to participate: Botetourt County, Franklin County, Craig County, Salem City, Roanoke County, Roanoke City and the Governor's School. For more information visit: http://www.valleycharacter.org/news/Ethics_Brochure_2005.pdf