Event Details

The 2025 Character Recognition Awards will be held Tuesday, May 6 from 1–2:30 p.m. at the Saint Mary's University Center in Minneapolis. The event will feature a keynote by Suwana Kirkland, Dakota County Community Corrections director, presentation of the governor’s Character Recognition Day proclamation, awards presentation and refreshments. RSVP online by April 22. View directions and parking. Questions? Contact Barb Bergseth at bbergseth@synergyexchange.org

2025 Minnesota School of Character

• Woodbury Middle School

2025 Minnesota Promising Practices Award

• Cologne Academy
• Lake Park Audubon Middle School
• Northfield High School
• Osakis Public Schools
• St. Croix Preparatory Academy
• Voyager Elementary

2025 Minnesota Ethical Leadership Award

• Bloomington Police Department, Character and Values-Based Policing
• Minnesota Council of Churches, MCC Respectful Conversations

2025 Champions of Character

• Amy Meuers, CEO, National Youth Leadership Council

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 1 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

"Thank you so much for everything you and your team have done to make this recognition possible for our students. It is something they will remember for the rest of their lives. I am extremely grateful to your organization for pointing a spotlight at our kids, and showing them that character does matter, even more than "school smarts" or athletic ability, because everyone can build good character if they want to do so."
—Dawn Skinner, Waseca ALC, 2024 Minnesota Promising Practice Award

"Thank you for your continued support and encouragement of our work. We have such an amazing community around us."
—Tim McGowan, Community of Peace Academy, 2024 Minnesota and National School of Character

"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