Beginning in 2014, Webster County Schools partnered with community members to address issues focused around youth success. The consensus from the community and youth focus groups was that Webster County needed a universal “character building” approach coupled with active drug prevention activities in the school and in the community to curb substance abuse; therefore, the “True Blue” Drug Free Community campaign was born. This initiative has embedded the six “Character Counts” principles (i.e., trustworthiness, fairness, responsibility, respect, caring, citizenship) as a fundamental layer of environmental change in Webster County.
“Character Counts” is a nationally recognized evidence-based character education and student development program that is supported by the U.S. Department of Education and Office of Safe and Drug Free Schools. “Character Counts” addresses all of the protective factor domains (Community, Family, School and Individual). These principles create attachment and bonding for young people to develop pro-social involvement through opportunities and recognition. “Character Counts” has been implemented in all Webster County Schools with classroom lessons, school “True Blue” Crews, and individual school rules and behavior guidelines attached to the six pillars. To learn more about Character Counts visit charactercounts.org.