Congratulations to the six outstanding schools, leaders and community programs celebrated for excellence at the Character Recognition Awards luncheon on May 17. Synergy & Leadership Exchange presented the Minnesota Ethical Leadership Award to Minnesota Rural Education Association and Resources for Recovery (National Youth Leadership Council); the Minnesota Promising Practices Award to North Star Junior Academy (Duluth Edison Charter Schools) and Saint Peter High School; and the Champion of Character to Tony Sanneh. Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota presented the inaugural Minnesota Promising Principal Award to Mary Spring from Lourdes High School, Rochester.

Deputy Commissioner Stephanie Burrage, Ed.D. shared a welcome from the Minnesota Department of Education and Benjamin Houltberg, Ph.D., President and CEO of the Search Institute delivered an inspiring keynote. Rep. Susan Akland assisted in presenting the award to constituent Saint Peter High School.

The Character Recognition Awards are held each year to spotlight character and ethical leadership development, honor schools and community programs with exemplary efforts, motivate honorees for continued effort and success, and inspire others with examples to replicate. The 2022 event was presented by Synergy & Leadership Exchange and hosted by Saint Mary’s University of Minnesota. A special thanks to SPIRE Credit Union for their sponsorship.