[Congressional Record Volume 143, Number 128 (Tuesday, September 23, 1997)]
[Senate]
[Page S9802]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     CHARACTER COUNTS IN NEW MEXICO

 Mr. DOMENICI. Mr. President, as we approach National Character 
Counts Week, October 19-25, I want to relate another example of how 
character education programs are expanding across the State of New 
Mexico.
  In New Mexico, over 30 communities and cities have adopted 
partnerships with their school systems to promote the Six Pillars of 
Character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, 
and citizenship. There are literally thousands of young people involved 
in character-related programs in their youth organizations and public 
or private schools. Some communities have expanded their local efforts 
to include Character in the Workplace programs.
  Character Counts is not just a slogan. It represents, instead, 
exciting and well-developed programs by citizens who believe there are 
important and positive benefits to be derived from good character. 
Because families, churches, community groups, civic leaders, and school 
administrators and teachers want to place more emphasis on the value of 
ethical behavior, Character Counts has become one of the fastest 
growing and localized movements in the State's history.
  As an example, in Farmington, NM, the Navajo Preparatory School is 
initiating an all-encompassing character education program for its 
students. The Navajo Preparatory School is chartered by the Navajo 
Nation to operate as a college preparatory school program for Navajo 
and other native American youth. Its mission is to educate highly 
motivated and talented students who have the potential and desire to 
achieve a college education and become leaders of their respective 
communities. It has 195 boarding and day students from the Navajo 
Nation, Jicarilla Apache, and various Pueblo Tribes. It has an 
excellent academic record, with 85 percent of its graduating students 
enrolled in college.
  Some weeks ago I was invited to visit the school to hear about its 
Character Counts Program. Attending were teachers, students, school 
administration officials, and members of the board of trustees. The 
briefing included an innovative audio-visual program designed to 
transfer the concepts of the Six Pillars of Character into traditional 
Navajo teachings, as well as a review of the schools's translation of 
the Six Pillars into the Navajo language. In addition to its Character 
Counts curriculum, Navajo Prep also supports the development of student 
activities that will maximize the messages of the Six Pillars. It wants 
to ensure that its students have a comprehensive and cohesive program 
that surrounds both their academic and social conduct.
  The board of trustees presented their resolution for ``Endorsing and 
Implementing the Character Counts Program at the Navajo Preparatory 
School.'' I would like to quote from this resolution so Members of 
Congress will know how thoroughly the school's officials have developed 
this character education program.

       The Navajo Preparatory School Board supports and endorses 
     Character Counts which are based on six core ethical values: 
     trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, 
     and citizenship.
       The Navajo Preparatory School Board requests its staff to 
     examine the curriculum and integrate Navajo-specific 
     character development teachings, strategies, methods and 
     partnership initiatives into the overall school program as an 
     ongoing part of school instruction.
       The Navajo Preparatory School Board empowers the school 
     staff to join forces with the State of New Mexico Navajo 
     Nation and other local organizations and become a leader for 
     community action through teaching, enforcing, advocating and 
     modeling the six pillars of character.
       The Navajo Preparatory School staff shall pursue available 
     funding to develop Navajo curriculum materials which promote 
     the development of good character.

  As evidenced by Navajo Prep's creative character education program 
and as explained well in its resolution, ``* * * no single entity can 
instill ethical behavior in youth and adults if it is acting without 
the support of the other institutions and groups.'' Character-building 
activities are for all. They can be embraced by the young and old and 
the public and private sectors in a way the transcends political, 
cultural, religious, and socioeconomic differences.
  In New Mexico, Character Counts is a statewide and communitywide 
effort. It is a program with unbelievable energy because everyone who 
hears about it believes in it and wants it to work. It works because 
people, like those associated with the Navajo Preparatory School, are 
wholeheartedly committed to making it a reality.
  I applaud the fine work of the Navajo Preparatory School, and welcome 
it as a new member of the ever-growing family of Character Counts 
enthusiasts.

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