Page 4 - Palm City Spotlight - May '24

Page 4, Palm City Spotlight

Spotlight

Character Counts! Update

February 2024 March 2024
Responsibility School Implementation
The Character Counts! pillar of responsibility is instilled in The Martin County School District implemented Character
schools and Clubs through various methods emphasizing Counts! by providing all elementary schools with three
accountability and integrity. In schools, responsibility is "Good Ideas" books, purchased through the Education
fostered by assigning tasks, encouraging timely Foundation of Martin County. These books offer up to 320
completion of assignments, and discussing the lessons focused on teaching students essential values
importance of honesty and self-discipline. Codes of including trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness,
conduct and community expectations reinforce a sense of caring, and citizenship. Elementary and secondary
duty towards oneself and others. Similarly, in Clubs, education teachers underwent training to effectively utilize
responsibility is emphasized through goal-setting, this curriculum. Additionally, digital workshops were
meeting deadlines, and promoting teamwork. Leaders conducted for elementary and middle school educators to
model responsible behavior while guiding members to enhance their understanding and implementation of the
fulfill commitments and contribute positively. Overall, this program
focus on responsibility equips individuals with essential life
skills and attitudes, nurturing reliability and
conscientiousness in both academic and extracurricular History of the Joe Kordick Award
settings.
Joe Kordick Award Winner The Joe Kordick Awards were established in tribute to Joe Kordick, the founding chairman and
driving force behind Character Counts! in Martin County. Joseph Kordick, a distinguished military
veteran and former Vice President of Ford Motor Company, relocated to Palm City, Florida after
Leigh Anne Campbell, now Leigh Anne Dees, is a proud alumni of South retirement and dedicated himself to community service. He volunteered extensively, particularly in
Fork High School, where she graduated in 2005. Her journey was marked hospice care, counseling terminally ill cancer patients and fundraising for local organizations. Joe's
by a remarkable achievement – the Joe Kordick Award, bestowed upon commitment extended to leadership roles in various charitable, educational, and civic institutions,
her for her outstanding character and unwavering integrity. This honor, embodying his belief that character development in youth is a collective effort involving parents,
received during her high school years, left an indelible mark on Leigh teachers, community leaders, and businesses. His vision led to the creation of Character Counts! in
Anne's life, reinforcing her commitment to authenticity and personal
Martin County, fostering responsibility and integrity among young people through collaborative
growth. Inspired by this recognition, she pursued her passion for community engagement. The Joe Kordick Awards reflect his enduring legacy of service and
journalism at the University of Florida, earning her bachelor's degree.
character development in Martin County.
Today, Leigh Anne reflects on the Joe Kordick Award with deep gratitude,
acknowledging its profound impact on shaping her values and guiding
her path forward.
Character Counts! in the Community
Character Counts! in the Community The collaborative efforts of the Palm City, Jensen Beach,
Hobe Sound, and Indiantown Chambers of Commerce
Students at Hidden Oaks Middle School have been played a pivotal role in supporting the Character Counts!
acknowledged for exemplifying one or more of the pillars of program within Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County and the
CharacterCounts!: Trustworthiness, Respect, Responsibility, Martin County School District. Their engagement fosters a
Fairness, Caring, and Citizenship. Nominations for these strong sense of community involvement, emphasizing the
students were submitted by teachers, counselors, or importance of character development among the youth.
community members. Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County is This partnership helps to implement initiatives that instill
pleased to endorse a program that prioritizes good values such as respect, responsibility, fairness, and
character in our children's daily routines. The event was citizenship, enriching the educational experience and
sponsored by Rob Tweedale at Merrill Lynch. promoting positive youth development throughout the
county. The commitment these Chambers provided to the
Character Counts! program exemplifies the profound
impact that dedication to good character and citizenship
can have on shaping the future leaders of tomorrow.
United Way Of Martin
County Celebrates Leadership
Transition And Office

Renovations

United Way of Martin County is proud to announce notable
changes within its organization, including the retirement
of Theresa Schineis, vice president of finance, and the
appointment of Dr. David Lovett, Ph.D., as her successor.

Dr. David Lovett, Ph.D., United Way of Martin County, Don Donaldson, Martin County administrator; and Carol
director of finance and administration; and Ellen East, United Houwaart-Diez, United Way of Martin County president
Way of Martin County finance assistant and CEO

the position, poised to continue United Way’s mission of The office transformation includes a fresh paint job, new
improving lives and strengthening the community. During carpeting and about half the operating space that once existed.
the transition period, Lovett will be working closely with To celebrate these momentous occasions, United Way of
Schineis until her official end date. Martin County hosted an open house on April 12. The event
In addition to these changes in leadership, United Way’s served as an opportunity to welcome Lovett into his new role
workspace has recently undergone significant renovations. and showcase the organization’s revitalized workspace with
The once 4,400-square-foot office has been downsized to internal partners and stakeholders.
accommodate a small but mighty staff size and to optimize
Carol Houwaart-Diez, United Way of Martin County operational efficiency, thereby reducing overhead expenses. Spotlight on page 5
president and CEO; Theresa Schineis, United Way of Martin
County vice president of finance; Tracy Hernandez, Suncoast
Mental Health Center director of development

After 25 years of dedicated
service to both United
Way and the community it
serves, Theresa Schineis
will be retiring on Friday,
May 31. Throughout her
tenure, Schineis has been
instrumental in driving
financial initiatives and
supporting countless
individuals and families
in need. Her leadership,
dedication and passion for Dr. David Lovett, Ph.D.,
community service have left will be replacing the retiring
an indelible mark on United Theresa Schineis as United
Way of Martin County. Way of Martin County’s
Filling Schineis’ esteemed director of finance and
role is Dr. David Lovett, administration.
Ph.D., a military veteran and
former CEO/CFO with over 30 years of experience in the
field. Lovett brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to