Wrapping Up 2025

Written By Characters of Character

WHOA!! Can you believe that 2025 is coming to an end and we are about to open a whole new book for 2026? What a year it has been!

We are SO grateful for the support we've received this year.

Miss Joni put together some of her favorite 2025 highlights we wanted to share with you (we 'herd' she tried to fit a cow picture in, but until she's ready to add a 10th Cow Character those will have to stay for her personal profile )

In no particular order, here are some of her favorite moments of 2025:

Overwatch Alliance has funded 2 visits to the Fort Campbell Army Base, the 2nd visit is actually happening tomorrow, and included art activities, character discussions, and books donated to the kiddos

We received a grant from the Nashville Predators and the Nashville Predators Foundation to donate (50) Superhero Character Building Activity Boxes to the Fort Campbell Army Base

Chris Stapleton generously donated to allow us to bring Superhero Character Building Kits to Monroe Carell Jr. Children's Hospital at Vanderbilt (AND you can even see our nonprofit on his website!)

Coca-Cola generously donated to allow us to bring (100) Superhero Character Building Activity Boxes within Middle Tennessee

With the support of our donors we were able to bring HUNDREDS of resources to the Bransford early learning & after school program! We also received a generous donation from the Robertson County Laity Club that we are using towards a January visit with Miss Joni!

This one comes with great honor to share that we have received a donation to allow us to bring (600)!!! Superhero Character Building Activity Boxes to children's hospitals in Delaware, Tennessee, and Illinois. We will begin distributing them in early 2026

Thank you for being part of our journey & helping us to make this world better, together!

Happy New Year!

As we look forward, a New Year is on the horizon and we wish you a very Happy, Healthy and Prosperous New Year! For me, personally, I don’t do the resolutions anymore. I’ve proven to myself that time and time again, I don’t follow through with them. The no sugar, the more exercise, the eating cleaner, it all! What I have found what works is to do my best every day. To try my best. To tune into lessons learned and to build off the firm foundation I’ve built for myself. I have sat in reflection and learned that your character shines when you do this. As the New Year approaches, let’s think about why teaching children good character traits is so important:

Teaching children to have good character is important because it shapes who they become, not just academically, but as people who contribute positively to their families, schools, and communities. These are some key reasons it matters:

1. Character builds a strong foundation for life….
Good character portray values like respect, responsibility, kindness, honesty, and perseverance and they guide children’s decisions and their choices long after childhood. These traits help them make healthy choices, build better coping skills, and allows them to learn who they are.

2. Character supports emotional and social development…..
Children with strong character are better able to manage emotions, resolve conflicts, and build positive relationships. Skills such as empathy and self control help them navigate friendships, teamwork, and everyday social situations. Please allow your child to share their feelings and thoughts with you and together talk about them, they are very real to them and may be difficult to muddle through at times.

3. Good character improves behavior and school success…..
Character education reinforces positive behaviors like listening, following rules, and treating others with respect. When children feel safe, respected, and confident, they are more engaged in learning and better prepared to succeed in school which leads to to success in society, in relationships and in life.

4. Character helps children become resilient…
Traits like perseverance (Do’er Duck) and responsibility (Responsible Rabbit) teach children not to give up when things are hard. Instead of being discouraged by failure, they learn to try again, learn from mistakes, and grow in confidence. If you were to ask your child why they are afraid to try something new, they most likely will share that they’re afraid that they can’t do it! Encourage them to try, and to try again and even again. Grow from mistakes and take pride in the accomplishment, especially for not giving up.

5. Character creates stronger communities….
Children who learn good character grow into adults who care about others, contribute to their communities, and act with integrity. Teaching character early helps create safer schools, healthier families, and more compassionate communities.

6. Character promotes lifelong success beyond academics…
Success isn’t only about test scores. Employers, educators, and communities value people who are trustworthy, respectful, and cooperative. Good character prepares children for leadership, teamwork, and responsible citizenship. They are the future leaders!

When a child has a firm foundation to grow on, learn from, they become better people, they become role models and they are making a difference in our world.

So, go ahead and let your cup runneth over!

TELL me and I forget, TEACH me and I remember, INVOLVE me and I learn. Benjamin Franklin and Miss Joni’s favorite quote.

Support our mission and make a difference in the life of a child.

Characters of Character
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Why is Good Behavior Necessary for the New Year