Whittier Elementary School in Frederick County was recognized as a Finalist for the Character Education Partnership (CEP) 2005 National Schools of Character Award. Carroll County Public Schools received the Promising Practices Award for their annual Character Education Institute.

Three Maryland schools were recognized by CEP for Promising Practices.  They are:

• Mary H. Matula Elementary School, Charles County
• Washington Grove Elementary School, Montgomery County
• Pocomoke Middle School, Worcester County

“These schools serve as examples for Maryland and the rest of the nation,” said State Superintendent of Schools Nancy S. Grasmick.  “Maryland has always led the way in Character Education.  Since the inception of the CEP National Schools of Character Awards in 1998, six Maryland schools have won the National Schools of Character Award, five were finalists, and 10 schools and a school system have been recognized for promising practices.”

Character Education Partnership, based in Washington, DC, is dedicated to developing young people of good character who become responsible and caring citizens. CEP recognizes public and private schools and school districts (K-12) in the United States as models of effective character education.  CEP’s Character Education Quality Standards establishes the criteria used in screening applications and selecting the National Schools of Character finalist and award winners.  The quality standards are derived from the Eleven Principles of Effective Character Education. For more information about CEP and the National Schools of Character Awards visit their website at www.character.org.