Local Students Honored for 'Character Counts' Depictions

If you ask nine-year-old Sophia Lau her opinion of the animals and humans featured in Charlotte's Web, she'll tell you one thing: They have plenty of character.

Lau saw so much character in EB White's well-known children's novel that she  depicted the story's major players in a poster she entered for Glenview's Character Counts! 2010 Poster Contest.

The competition has existed in the Village for more than 10 years, inviting youngsters to consider how the six pillars of trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring and citizenship can benefit the community — and  themselves. Glenview's poster competition is one of hundreds of similar programs across the country recognizing national Character Counts! Week, recognized this year from Oct. 17 - 23. The non-profit campaign began in 1996.

Lau's poster ultimately claimed the grand prize among more than 1,900 entries from 11 area schools. The fifth grader, along with nine additional subcategory winners, were honored at a reception hosted by the Village of Glenview Board of Trustees Oct 19. 

"It feels good," Lau said of her accomplishment.

Describing the reasoning behind her poster, Lau added, "I just thought all the characters in 'Charlotte's Web' had character... how all the animals worked together and the way Fern took care of the pig."

Lau received money towards her college fund from contest sponsors, but she didn't enter the competition necessarily to win, said Lau's mother, Jinah Tak-Lau.

"We were so surprised, " Tak-Lau said with a laugh. "But we're just really glad that she is reading literature and able to make the connection with her assignment at school. She knows how important it is to have character in the way we treat others in our community. I think it's a wonderful contest."

Event co-chair Mark Walther weas very pleased with this year's outcome.

"Every child in Glenview demonstrates good character through these posters," said Walther.

And, it allows students to spread a positive message added Walther's co-chair, Jim Bream.

"It's an opportunity for children to become teachers," he said. "We know that a simple photo tells a great story and now a poster that is seemingly still can be full of life — having good character is a message that cannot be repeated too often."

In addition to Lau, the 2010 winners are:

* Ages 5-7

First Place: Emma Owens, Lyon School           

Second Place: Hannah Franklin, Henking School 

Third Place: Kaley Flentye, Westbrook School

* Ages 8-11

First Place: Christopher Chin, Hoffman School

Second Place: Jessica Kang, Springman School

Third Place: Michal Wyciszkiewicz, Hoffman School

 * Ages 12-14

First place: Reshma Rajan, Attea School

Second Place: Min Seung Jung, Attea School

Third Place: Ashley Meek, Attea School