Joliet Township High School (JTHS) and City of Joliet Announce

As you drive down Jefferson Street in Joliet, you will see the words of Martin Luther King Jr. painted on a mural across from Joliet Township High School’s Central Campus. King‘s words read that, “We must remember that intelligence is not enough. Intelligence plus character, that is the goal of true education.” It’s a powerful message that Joliet Township High School and the City of Joliet have vowed to support through an endeavor encouraging the display of seven character attributes.

In 2011, JTHS began promoting the term “7 Words Make a Difference” to reinforce the character attributes of compassion, confidence, respect, responsibility, tolerance, integrity and perseverance. The attributes were selected collaboratively by a group of parents, students, staff, community members, business representatives and Board of Education members as part of the District’s Strategic Plan.

“These words were carefully selected and are unique to our community,” said JTHS Board of Education President, Jeff Pierson. “The Strategic Planning Team worked tirelessly to choose the words they felt would accomplish the strategic objective of instilling the essential character attributes necessary to prepare students to compete and contribute as respectful and productive citizens. In my eyes, they succeeded.”

As part of JTHS’ initiative to promote awareness of the attributes, brightly colored signage and posters that depict students in character t-shirts have been hung within the walls of the schools. Teachers are given 7 character cards to distribute to students who display good character. If all 7 cards are collected, students are entered into a raffle drawing to receive a character t-shirt. Signage and student t-shirts have been provided through community and alumni donations.

JTHS student Oscar Cuevas has taken part of the character initiative since its inception through the production of videos to be aired on the Student News Network. “I think the character words are making a difference. As students, we are very visual and the posters, pictures and shirts are all very fun and bright. It has inspired the students to produce videos to promote good behavior.”

Character in Community Day

With the City’s help, the Joliet Township High Schools are taking the promotion of the character attributes to a whole new level with a city-wide display of character on October 26, 2012. “Character in Community Day” encourages local businesses, community organizations, and individuals to send a visual message to students by wearing character t-shirts and displaying signage in businesses, homes, and community organizations. Those who choose to participate in this day are also encouraged to wear their shirts on the last Friday of each month to send a sustainable message of support. “It is going to send a powerful message to students and our community,” said City of Joliet Mayor, Tom Giarrante. “Students are used to seeing the t-shirts and signage in their schools, but just imagine the support they will feel as they walk into the community and see business owners, employees, and others displaying the character attributes.”

Support the Initiative

JTHS is currently seeking participants for “Character in Community Day.” T-shirt packages containing 8 shirts and signage can be purchased online at www.jthscharacter.com. Individual t-shirts can also be purchased through the website. Participating businesses or community organizations will receive media recognition. “The JTHS character attributes are an important component to success in school and throughout life,” said Dr. Cheryl McCarthy, JTHS Superintendent. “By participating in ‘Character in Community Day’ you are showing our kids that you care.”