Jack Ford of Centreville and Kelly Moore of Sudlersville are this year’s winners of the Queen Anne’s County Youth Character Counts! Award. Sponsored by the Kent Island Rotary Club for the 5th consecutive year, the winners will each receive a $100 U.S. Savings Bond.
Lisa Ford, mother of Jack Ford, 10, nominated her son. Being the youngest of three following in his older siblings footsteps has not always been the easiest task, but Jack has stood out when it comes to two pillars of character-responsibility and caring. Jack has always felt personally responsible for making sure all the children make it on time for the school bus. According to his mother, Jack rises every morning at least one hour early every morning to ensure that the children make the bus on time. As a result, none of the children have ever missed the bus and Jack is quite proud of this accomplishment. Jack’s neighbors also note his responsible behavior since they know they can rely on him to care for their pets while they are away from home.
Jack demonstrates a caring attitude toward all new children at his school or neighborhood becoming one of the first to reach out. Additionally, he spends his time on the telephone with relatives who live a distance away keeping them informed of family happenings and maintaining a strong family connection.
Jennie Schmidt nominated Kelly Moore, 15, for the award because she believes Kelly demonstrates all six Pillars of Character in her daily life through her words, deeds, and actions. Schmidt is Kelly’s Sunday School Teacher, Youth Group Leader, and employer. An example of Kelly’s willingness to be of service occurred this past summer. At the beginning of the summer, the 4H Clover Camp for young 4Hrs had no volunteer to lead that age group. Kelly did not want the younger children to miss out on what might be their first camp opportunity. After successfully recruiting her grandmother to assist in leading the camp, Kelly set about planning the crafts, games, and lessons for all the 4H Clovers. Schmidt acknowledges that the camp would have been cancelled if Kelly had not stepped up to fill this very special need. Schmidt adds, “There are few youth who would sacrifice their own camp experience to give to others as Kelly did.”
Character Counts! gratefully thanks the Kent Island Rotary Club for its continuing support of the youth of Queen Anne’s County. It also recognizes the outstanding contribution of Jack Ford and Kelly Moore for their commitment to 4H and to others within their schools and community. We thank all 4Hers, FFA members and participants in this year’s Queen Anne’s County Fair.