Westwood's character journey started in Friendswood twenty years ago when FISD school board members met with about 100 community members to decide on the virtues that we wanted to instill in our children. Little did they know back then that their efforts would result in a journey to the nation's capital for Counselor Barbara Gruener and First-grade Teacher Jennifer Quigley to accept a prestigious character honor this past week.

The two Westwood representatives left Friendswood early enough on Thursday morning to do some sightseeing prior to the Character Education Partnership's National Forum. Along the way they saw the Lincoln Memorial where they reflected in awe at the statue of one of Mrs. Quigley's personal heroes, Abraham Lincoln. They stood in the same spot as one of Mrs. Gruener's role models, Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. before they headed to the larger-than-life-sized Korean War statues.

Along the way, they were reminded over and over again that our freedom isn't free. The breath-taking World War II Monument and the Pearl Harbor Memorial against the beautiful blue skies of D.C. were highlights as they made their way toward Pennsylvania Avenue. The flowering plants outside the White House gave them a postcard-perfect look at the President's home. Then it was off to the Vietnam Wall where they were touched by the thousands of names etched in the stone and the beautiful notes of appreciation left by family as well as strangers to say, "we will never forget!" The eye-catching fall foliage enriched their trip down character lane.

Back to the Forum they went and at a special awards luncheon on Friday, Mrs. Gruener and Mrs. Quigley accepted the National Schools of Character Finalist Award on behalf of the Westwood family and the Friendswood community. This prestigious award is given to model schools who are working like we are to dynamically shape hearts and minds for the future. That night, they were treated to a twilight tour of Washington D.C. with other character educators and they got a glimpse of Old Glory flying in the stiff autumn breeze high above the Capitol building. The White House at night and the incredible handiwork of the statue of Iwo Jima added immeasureable value to their already amazing tour.

On Saturday morning, Mrs. Gruener had the opportunity to present a breakout session at the National Forum entitled Sing, Dance, Laugh, and Build Character. Some 60 character educators from 13 states, Canada, and the Virgin Islands came to hear her talk about Westwood's character-building efforts and share ideas about creating a culture of character and a climate of caring in their schools. One of the participants, a superintendent from North Carolina, waited in line afterwards to tell Mrs. Gruener that he wished his grandchildren could move to Texas and attend Westwood. That being said, our journey continues.