CHARACTER COUNTS! is part of the daily routine at Nikiski North Star Elementary. Each morning everyone recites the CHARACTER COUNTS! pledge during school-wide announcements led by the principal. Classroom teachers use CC! slips to recognize students who demonstrate one of the Six Pillars.

In addition, the school has created a new segment in its newsletter called "Profiles in Character!" which tells of one student each month who has displayed extraordinary character. Recent examples include students who picked up litter along the roadway, helped a teacher who'd fallen on ice, and used their allowance money to buy a tricycle for children in a Chinese orphanage.

In December 2005, six students from the school represented CC! at the Kenai Peninsula Borough School Board meeting. Each read a brief definition and wore a sash in the color of the Pillar he or she represented.

"CHARACTER COUNTS! continues to be a positive program here at Nikiski North Star Elementary," says Wally Hufford of the school.