Hoisington H.S. Recognized
School Receives National Promising Practice Award in Character Education
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Charles Hagemeister, Medal of Honor recipient, addresses Hoisington students and community members on November 5th.Hoisington High School was recognized by the Character Education Partnership (CEP) at the 21st National Forum on Character Education in Washington, D.C. in October with a National Promising Practice Award in Character Education for "Medal of Honor Character Program Enhances Cardinal Core". CEP awarded 315 Promising Practices to schools, districts, and youth serving organizations from across the United States, as well as from Canada, China, Greece, and Mexico. Hoisington's Promising Practice was selected as one of 8 programs highlighted at the awards ceremony.
Hoisington High School teachers implemented The Medal of Honor Character Development Program into their lessons to enhance their character education initiative offering students the opportunity to learn about themselves and our American heroes. Last February, The English and history departments worked collaboratively to create a project for the junior class that would incorporate both subjects as well as character education. After several years attempting the "joint research paper" with marginal success and difficulty selecting a topic that would fit both departments curricula AND be of interest to students, the school decided to try researching the Medal of Honor and its recipients.
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Hoisington H.S. students present their research on recipients of the Medal of Honor.One of the many benefits of integrating the Medal Of Honor Character Development Program into the curriculum was the opportunity to have a Medal of Honor Recipient visit the high school. The visit was sponsored by the Congressional Medal of Honor Foundation. Hoisington High School proudly hosted Medal Of Honor Recipient Mr. Charles Hagameister on November 5, 2014.
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Along with HHS students, Charles Hagemeister waits for the November 5th ceremony to begin. The event was organized by the Student Leadership Team.The Student Leadership Team organized this event. The auditorium had a patriotic atmosphere with flags adorned and a pianist played tunes as guests were seated while Mr. Hagemeister visited with students, staff, and community members. A Boy Scout led the student body and guests in the Pledge of Allegiance. The crowd was seated, the lights went down, and "The History of the Medal of Honor" DVD began to play which led into the DVD vignette of Mr.
Charles Hagemeister's riveting story. As the lights came back up, Mr. Hagemester was introduced by student leaders and came to the podium with a standing ovation. He humbly shared his story with a special message of patriotism, integrity, and respect for freedoms. He touched the hearts of students and community members. With a second standing ovation following his presentation, Mr. Hagemeister shook the hands of audience members who thanked him for his service and for visiting the school.
The Student Leadership Team is currently meeting each month with the freshmen to teach a Character Lesson from the Medal of Honor Resource notebook, Lessons of Personal Bravery and Self-Sacrifice.