CHARACTER COUNTS! In Martin County Schools

At Boys & Girls Clubs of Martin County, we are proud to support CHARACTER COUNTS!,

a countywide initiative that fosters ethical values and personal integrity in young people. Implemented in all Martin County schools, this program is designed to instill and reinforce six essential pillars of character that help shape responsible and respectful individuals.

The Six Pillars of Character

CHARACTER COUNTS! is built upon six core values that guide students in making positive choices every day:


  • Trustworthiness – Encouraging honesty, integrity, and reliability.
  • Respect – Teaching students to treat others with kindness and dignity.
  • Responsibility – Instilling accountability and self-discipline.
  • Fairness – Promoting consideration, reasonable, and impartial decision making.
  • Caring – Encouraging empathy and compassion for others.
  • Citizenship – Fostering active community engagement and respect for laws and rules.


How BGCMC Supports Character Education

As a key partner in youth development, BGCMC integrates CHARACTER COUNTS! principles into our after-school programs, mentorship initiatives, and leadership opportunities. We also power this program during the school day in Martin County schools in partnership with the Positive Behavioral Interventions and Supports (PBIS) program. Through hands-on activities, discussions, and service projects, we empower students to develop strong moral character and make ethical decisions that benefit themselves and their communities.

The Joe Kordick Character Counts Awards

Each year, BGCMC collaborates with the Martin County School District to honor outstanding youth through the Joe Kordick Character Counts Awards. These awards celebrate students who exemplify the Six Pillars of Character in their daily lives. Named after Joe Kordick, whose efforts helped establish the program in Martin County in 1995, this recognition highlights the importance of integrity, responsibility, and respect in shaping future leaders.

The 2023-24 award ceremony, held at the Palm City Community Center, honored both 8th grade students and high school seniors, with the latter receiving a $1,000 stipend donated by the Kordick Family. The event featured inspiring speeches, including a keynote address from past recipient Leigh Anne Dees, who shared a motivating analogy about perseverance and unseen efforts.

In addition to the students being recognized, past committee members receive special recognition for their years of dedicated service in ensuring the program's continued impact on local youth.

The 2025 awards will be held at the Greater Stuart Boys & Girls Club on April 29, 2025 at 6pm with past Boys & Girls Club Youth of the Year and Joe Kordick Award Winner, Jomar Zelaya as the keynote speaker.


Making a Lasting Impact

CHARACTER COUNTS! goes beyond the classroom, creating a culture of integrity that extends to homes, workplaces, and the broader community. By reinforcing these principles, we help build a generation of responsible leaders who will contribute positively to society.


Get Involved

Parents, educators, and community members play a vital role in supporting character education. If you’d like to learn more about how BGCMC incorporates CHARACTER COUNTS! into our programs or how you can get involved, please contact us at info@bgcmartin.org or 772-545-1255.


You can also help sustain and expand this vital programming by making a donation through our website. Your support ensures that we continue to instill strong character values in future generations.


Together, we can shape the future by fostering strong character in our youth!