The Character Counts program made its debut on April 19 in a six-week campaign designed to educate Cal High students about good character.

Character Counts, developed by the Josephine Institute in 1993, is a program that promotes good behavior through example.

The program has been taught in elementary schools across the district in the past.

This year the San Ramon Police Department suggested bringing the program to the high schools.

The program at Cal High is being directed through the leadership classes. 

“In high school, people are trying to find who they truly are, and Character Counts brings out good morals and good values,” said Trevor Cardiff, a senior in leadership.

The program focuses on six basic pillars of character: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship. Each pillar  is highlighted and stressed for a week.

The goal of the program is to encourage students to develop these positive traits now, rather than waiting to learn them later in life. It is meant to better the lives of all students and have a lasting effect.

“Cal High students are the future and the goal is to have a future with good character,” said senior ASB president Shane Pittson.

To spread the word about the Character Counts program, leadership students have visited classes to talk about the week’s characteristic, how they define it and to remind students of the prize they can  receive if they are seen displaying the trait.

If a student displays one of the six character qualities, any staff member can nominate that student to leadership. That student will then be awarded a T-shirt in class and receive an invitation to a pizza party.

At the pizza parties, there have been gift card giveaways. At the final party on May 29, an iPod will be given away.

“It’s really cool to be noticed by the faculty and staff for being trustworthy,” said junior Ashlee Evonc, who ws also nominated fo responsibility.

Another winner of trustworthiness was sophomore Steven Morelli, who informed his teacher he had an incorrect grade that was higher than he earned.

“I feel good because I generally feel unrewarded for my actions,” Steven said. 

Although this is Character Count’s first year at Cal,  elementary schools have used this program to replace DARE, which mainly focused on drug prevention.

Though drug prevention is important, some people believe that this program is a better influence to students.

Campus Resource Officer Rob Ransom believes that character is one of the more founding principles of society.

“All of these six traits are exactly what we should be doing in this school,” said Ransom.

Leadership teacher Eileen Mantz is confident in the program and is supportive of its goals.

“I think they represent qualities that every human being should attempt to posses,” Mantz said.

The leadership classes believe Character Counts will work as long as the Cal students welcome it with respect. If it’s successful, the program will return next year.