Millbrook is recognized for its ‘character’

WINCHESTER — Millbrook High School has been recognized for its caring community and the admirable character of its students and staff.

The Character Education Partnership (CEP), a nonprofit advocacy organization based in Washington, D.C., has designated Millbrook as the Emerging School of Character for the 2013 Virginia State Schools of Character Program.

The Frederick County school is the only one in the state to receive the “emerging” honor.

“It’s about infusing the whole concept of doing the right thing and teaching the right thing throughout the school,” said Principal Carolyn Butler.

Schools of Character demonstrate good character development that has had a positive impact on academics, student behavior and school climate, according to a division press release on Tuesday.

To receive recognition, schools had to fill out an extensive application and provide evidence of how they satisfied 11 principles of character, such as whether they provide students with opportunities for moral action and create a caring community.

“We didn’t have any trouble with any of those principles,” said librarian Maribeth Carmichael, who was part of a character task force made up of staff members who filled out the application. “We thought, ‘This isn’t going to be hard to do because we already do all those things.’”

Mark Waldrop, a special education teacher, was instrumental in researching the award and filling out the application.

Millbrook was recognized based on numerous factors.

Each spring, Millbrook athletes travel to three elementary schools to promote literacy, and every year the Service Learning class organizes a Veteran’s Day breakfast.

Over the past two years, four teachers and two students have volunteered to shave their heads as part of the St. Baldrick’s Foundation fundraiser to fight childhood cancer. The school also holds a Go Pink week to raise money for the American Cancer Society and has raised funds for the local United Way.

In addition, the school awards a varsity letter to students who log 100 hours or more of community service outside the school. The Key Club sponsors an annual blood drive and holds a blanket drive for the homeless, and the school has a Pledge to Make a Difference and Value Others that students and staff can sign.

“This [recognition] is just one more positive reinforcement,” said Bridget Bird, school counselor and member of the task force.

— Contact Rebecca Layne at rlayne@winchesterstar.com