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"Parents can only give good advice or put them (children) on the right paths, but the final forming of a person's character lies in their own hands." -- Anne Frank
Music, showers of confetti and words of wisdom were among the tools used to teach more than a thousand fifth-graders from 17 Orangeburg County schools about character Friday morning.
The students gathered at Claflin University's Jonas T. Kennedy Health and Physical Education Center for the Fifth Grade Outstanding Character Recognition Program. The program is the way through which the Orangeburg County Community of Character initiative recognizes elementary school children and staff for implementing character throughout their daily routines.
"If you carry the character traits that you have had instilled in you in elementary school ... middle school is going to be a breeze for you," said Hazel Rickenbacker, guidance coordinator in Orangeburg Consolidated School District 5.
A student from each of the 17 schools was also honored for writing a winning essay on character. Claflin University First Lady Alice Carson Tisdale, director of the university's Honors College, served as featured speaker. She told each of the students to "wake up and pay attention" to the ways they use character development to reach their full potentials.
"I am just overwhelmed at the future power sitting here this morning. What you do and don't do from now on may determine the person you're going to be," said Tisdale, noting that among the students there could easily be the next Barack Obama or Hillary Clinton.
She gave the students tips for success which were backed up by inspirational musical selections from Claflin University students. The first was "This Little Light of Mine," with Tisdale telling each child to let their own individual lights shine.
Developing a sense of civility was the first of seven ingredients in her recipe for success for the students.
"You have to get rid of the 24-7 bad attitude," she said, and practice the Golden Rule of treating others the way they'd like to be treated. She used the names of embattled young celebrities in urging the students to have character and stand up for their own convictions.
"Britney Spears is an absolute mess. In what condition is your self respect? You have to wake up and pay attention," she said, adding that having confidence in their own abilities was another tenet of success.
"Don't dummy yourself down. You must have the confidence to rise above it all. What you decide to do today may affect you for the rest of your life," Tisdale said.
Developing a sense of service either at a soup kitchen or relief center will be good experience for the "9-11 generation" which is used to having it all, she said, noting that global warming and terrorism, however, are challenges which will require work to overcome. She told the students they were role models for other children.
"Do you really want to be seen walking around with your pants down? Pray every day to God to give you the guidance and strength to help you make the right decisions and do the right thing," Tisdale said. "If you kneel before God, you can stand before anyone."
She said incorporating prayer into their lives was another ingredient for success.
Having motivation and determination were the last two ways Tisdale said the students could develop their character.
"There is no such thing as failure. You can't be a whiner in life. If life is not fair, fix it. It's not where you are that matters. It's where you're willing to go. Keep your eyes on the prize, and do it without drugs, bad attitudes, babies and risky behaviors," she said.
Tisdale ended her speech with a few students being led out on the gymnasium floor to the singing of "I Believe I Can Fly." A shower of confetti was released, and the audience cheered.
The OCSD 5 Combined Fifth Grade Choir provided musical selections under the direction of Melvin Brown. Orangeburg Preparatory School fifth-grader Mary Frances Watford sang "The Star Spangled Banner."
Orangeburg Mayor Paul Miller, Claflin University President Dr. Henry Tisdale, Joan Dickinson with the program of character education at the state Department of Education and Orangeburg County Chamber of Commerce President David Coleman were among the officials attending.
Character essay winners for OCSD 3 were: Shontiqua Pauling, Elloree Elementary; Katavia Davis, Holly Hill Elementary; Daveon Davis, St. James-Gailliard Elementary and Ayonna Keitt, Vance Providence Elementary.
OCSD 4 winners were: Samantha Grant, Edisto Elementary; Justin Carroll, Hunter-Kinard-Tyler Elementary and Jessie Funchess, Lockett Elementary.
OCSD 5 winners were: ReDeJah Clark, Dover Elementary; Micayla Pringle, Bethune-Bowman Elementary; Niasia Craig, Brookdale Elementary; Heather Taylor, Marshall Elementary; Lupita Vallejos, Mellichamp Elementary; Ny'Asia Cleckley, Rivelon Elementary; Chrissy Baughman, Sheridan Elementary and Alexis Snell, Whittaker Elementary.
Other winners included Hosea Addison-Hayes of Felton Laboratory School and Jessica Burns of Orangeburg Preparatory School.
T&D Staff Writer Dionne Gleaton can be reached by e-mail at dgleaton@timesanddemocrat.com or by phone at 803-533-5534.