Named a National School of Character (NSOC) Finalist in the spring of 2008, Westwood Elementary sent two representatives to Washington, DC on Homecoming weekend to accept the award on behalf of the school family. 

Principal Lynn Hobratschk and Counselor Barbara Gruener left Friendswood October 17, en route to the country's capital to attend the 15th Annual Character Education Partnership's National Forum. 

This year's theme, Character Is Destiny, resonated throughout the three-day conference which hosted people from all over the United States, from neighbors to the north in Canada, from neighbors to the south in Mexico, and from as far away as New Zealand. 

Invited to present a breakout session, Gruener spoke with over 40 educators from 12 different states and Canada to share her innovative ways to integrate the Six Pillars into a school climate and a classroom curriculum as they Sing, Dance, Laugh, and Build Character.  

At a special NSOC awards luncheon on Saturday, the Westwood duo crossed the stage with other model schools that excel in their character building to receive the NSOC finalist award.