Character Recognition Awards

The Character Recognition Awards is an annual event presented by Synergy & Leadership Exchange to celebrate the statewide achievements of schools and organizations building character strengths and ethical leadership skills in its participants. Awards presented include the Minnesota Schools/Districts of Character, Minnesota Promising Practices Awards, Minnesota Ethical Leadership Awards and Champion of Character Award.

Sharing a commitment to character and ethical leadership formation, Synergy & Leadership Exchange is pleased to partner with Saint Mary’s University School of Education to host the 2024 Character Recognition Awards luncheon.

 

Thank you for your partnership:

Thank you Honor Sponsor:

 

Thank you Respect Sponsors:

 For More Information Contact  Barb Bergseth 507-389-5112

Event Details

The 2024 Character Recognition Awards luncheon will be held Wednesday, May 22 from 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. at the Saint Mary's University Center, 2540 Park Ave., Minneapolis. We are delighted to announce that Dr. Arthur Schwartz, president of Character.org, will be the keynote speaker!

Registration is $25. Please register online at https://www.eventsquid.com/register/24259 by May 1. Plated lunch selections are chicken or vegetarian (gluten-free). The chicken marsala is served with a mushroom sauce, mashed potatoes and asparagus. The vegetarian option is a vegan vegetable curry served with jasmine rice and cilantro chutney.

Questions? Contact Barb Bergseth at bbergseth@synergyexchange.org

Honorees

2024 Minnesota School of Character

  • Community of Peace Academy, Saint Paul

2024 Minnesota Promising Practices Award

  • Cologne Academy
  • DECS North Star Academy
  • Northfield High School Student Success Center
  • Roseville Area High School
  • Waseca Area Learning Center

2024 Catholic Educator Award (presented by Saint Mary's University of Minnesota)

  • Ricky Austin, President, Aim Higher Foundation

2024 Minnesota Ethical Leadership Award

  • ComMUSICation
  • The Inner Hero

2024 Champions of Character

  • Matt Bostrom, Ph.D.
  • Todd Otis

Sponsorship

Secure Your Sponsorship Today!

Sponsorship provides an excellent opportunity to honor the shaping of the next generation of leaders, promote positive community-oriented exposure, affiliate with a proven local non-profit and provide tax-deductible marketing. We welcome your sponsorship at one of the levels listed below or a donation at another amount. Sponsorships must be received by April 11 to be included in the event program. Contact Barb Bergseth at bbergseth@synergyexchange.org for more details.

  • Trust Sponsor: $5,000
  • Integrity Sponsor: $1,500 – $4,999
  • Respect Sponsor: $1,000 – $1,499
  • Honor Sponsor: $500 – $999

Testimonials

"Civic education is a cornerstone of what makes Minnesota so special. We have long been home to responsible ethical leaders and residents who engage in civic life and contribute to our communities. Support for quality character education will strengthen Minnesota for generations to come.”
— Steve Simon, Minnesota Secretary of State

“Character education is based on the deeply-rooted belief that in order to best educate our young people, we must acknowledge and impact the whole child. Our local, national and international community is in need not just of intelligent people, but of good people with strong moral compasses.”
— Cara Quinn, Former Executive Director, Community of Peace Academy, 2003, 2014, 2019 Minnesota School of Character and three-time National School of Character

“Synergy & Leadership Exchange makes us stop and think about why we are engaged in our work. It reminds us that the most important things we deliver and work on, are creating ethical leaders and being ethical leaders ourselves. It underscores the essence that character costs!”
— Shelli-Kae Foster YES! Program Director, 2017 Minnesota Ethical Leadership Award honoree