“At that school, 80 percent of students fail basic literacy tests,” my friend exclaimed recently. “That means 80 percent can’t read or write properly. We can’t send our kid to that school, but our only other option is private, and we can’t afford that!”

She and her husband are thinking about adopting a child and have been looking into their education options. Not very promising choices. But what if she saw things in a different light?

In February, Bridgeview Elementary School held its first ever Bridgeview Walk-a-thon with the theme "Bookin’ for Bridgeview." The event kicked-off with an aerial photo of the walkers, who sported t–shirts representing the Bridgeview school colors (gray and navy blue) and the colors of the Six Pillars of Character.

"Character is not developed by accident. It’s not something that happens spontaneously. It’s gotta be proactive. It’s gotta be intentional. It’s gotta be purposeful. But that doesn’t mean it can’t be fun!" says Michael Josephson, president and CEO of the Josephson Institute.

Art Teacher Suzette Morrow of Potterville High School knows how to make character education fun. Students in two of her classes recently completed a series of large murals depicting the Six Pillars of Character in creative ways.