The Ray Center

Working to improve civility through character education & ethical leadership. Home of @CharacterCounts

[The Ray Center @TheRayCenter]

Congratulations to Robin Brand, recipient of the 2026 CHARACTER COUNTS! Coach of the Year Award! 🏆

This award recognizes a coach who exemplifies the Six Pillars of Character.

📸 October 9 | Mount Vernon, Iowa

#CharacterCounts #CoachOfTheYear #SixPillarsOfCharacter

[The Ray Center @TheRayCenter]

💙Kristi Knous, of Des Moines, received the 2026 Character Champion Award.

💙You can learn more by watching the video here: https://t.co/ZReoZMAtWF

💙Nominate someone for a 2027 Iowa Character Award: https://t.co/Qn7p2DOJ0t

#IowaCharacterAwards #CHARACTERCOUNTS!

[The Ray Center @TheRayCenter]

Today, September 26th, is the annually celebrated Governor Robert D. Ray Day in Iowa! This day serves to honor Governor Ray's life, legacy, and accomplishments. 🎉💙 #CharacterCounts #GovernorRayDay

[The Ray Center @TheRayCenter]

Tomorrow's the day! 🍦

Join us for the Robert D. Ray Day Ice Cream Social and enjoy free ice cream while celebrating the legacy of RDR!

☔Location note: Due to projected weather this event will be held indoors on the lower level of Collier-Scripps Hall.

#RobertDRayDay

[The Ray Center @TheRayCenter]

Just one week until the Robert D. Ray Day Ice Cream Social!

Stop by for free ice cream as we honor Governor Robert D. Ray's legacy of civility, service, and leadership. Bring a friend and join us for an afternoon of community and celebration.

#RobertDRayDay

[The Ray Center @TheRayCenter]

Join us in celebrating the lasting legacy of Governor Robert D. Ray with free ice cream, community, and reflection on a life dedicated to civility, service, and leadership.

We hope to see you there! #RobertDRayDay

[The Ray Center @TheRayCenter]

Have a great school year!

[CHARACTER COUNTS @CHARACTERCOUNTS]

The Six Pillars of Character are the foundation for a positive school culture. When we lead with character, everyone succeeds.

Who's ready to make it a T.R.R.F.C.C. year? 🙌

#CharacterCounts! #BackToSchool #CharacterEducation

[CHARACTER COUNTS @CHARACTERCOUNTS]

The pillar of Respect can look like...
- Following the Golden Rule
- Accepting differences
- Being courteous
- Using good manners
How have you seen #Respect in action this week?

[The Ray Center @TheRayCenter]

We are so thankful for our event partners:
- Fox 17
- Prairie Meadows
- Hy-Vee
- Murphy Enterprizes
- Delta Dental
- Gartner Family Foundation

Iowa Character Awards wouldn't be possible without you! 💙

#CHARACTERCOUNTS! #IowaCharacterAwards

[The Ray Center @TheRayCenter]

Our Executive Director, Scott Raecker, recently spoke with Iowa Capital Dispatch about the importance of restoring civility in public discourse and strengthening our communities through respectful dialogue.

Read more here: https://t.co/xEphFc8elA

#Civility #CHARACTERCOUNTS!

[CHARACTER COUNTS @CHARACTERCOUNTS]

The pillar of Responsibility can look like...
- Thinking before you act.
- Giving your best effort.
- Keep trying, even when things are hard.
- Following through.
How have you seen Responsibility in action this week?

#CHARACTERCOUNTS!

[CHARACTER COUNTS @CHARACTERCOUNTS]

Want a ready-to-use kindness resource?
Access a FREE Kindness 101 lesson and video at
👉 https://t.co/SzANZEM1ZC
#CHARACTERCOUNTS!

[The Ray Center @TheRayCenter]

Caring starts with kindness and choosing to treat others with compassion every day.
#Caring #CHARACTERCOUNTS!

[The Ray Center @TheRayCenter]

Brody Middle School in Des Moines, IA received the School of Character Award.

You can learn more by watching the video here: https://t.co/RYTxtBrm0E

#IowaCharacterAwards #CHARACTERCOUNTS!

[The Ray Center @TheRayCenter]

Trust is built when words and actions match, every day, in every choice.
#Trustworthiness #CHARACTERCOUNTS!

[The Ray Center @TheRayCenter]

Gratitude, kindness, and compassion help create supportive and welcoming communities.
#Caring #CHARACTERCOUNTS!

[The Ray Center @TheRayCenter]

Trustworthiness starts with honesty and choosing to do the right thing—even when no one is watching.
#Trustworthiness #CHARACTERCOUNTS!

[The Ray Center @TheRayCenter]

Protecting our environment and caring for our community shows good citizenship in action.
#GoodCitizenship #CHARACTERCOUNTS!

[The Ray Center @TheRayCenter]

LAST CALL Iowa Character Awards nominations close tonight at midnight.
Take 10 minutes to recognize someone who leads with character.
Nominate now: https://t.co/tk2Sduhdrh

#CHARACTERCOUNTS! #IowaCharacterAwards

[The Ray Center @TheRayCenter]

Nominations close TOMORROW at midnight! Don’t miss your chance to recognize individuals, schools, teams, and organizations who lead with character across Iowa. Take a few minutes today to make your nomination count. https://t.co/tk2Sduhdrh

#CHARACTERCOUNTS! #IowaCharacterAwards