We annually recognize Iowans who show the Six Pillars of CHARACTER COUNTS!: trustworthiness, respect, responsibility, fairness, caring, and good citizenship.
Nominations for the 2023 Iowa Character Awards will be accepted until May 2, 2023.
You don’t have to complete the form all at once. Create a username/password to save your nominations and return to it later.
Give examples. A successful nomination will include specific examples of the nominee showing good character.
Ask for help. You don’t have to complete the nomination alone. Ask the nominee’s friends, families, or co-workers for examples of the nominee’s good character.
Individuals, organizations, and communities who have not received an Iowa Character Award in the last 5 years are eligible.
Previous nominees and Honorable Mention recipients are eligible.
Youth nominees should be between the ages of 10 -19 as of May 1, 2023.
Anyone can submit a nomination. You can nominate family, friends, co-workers, and community members. You can nominate your own school, organization, or company.
2023 award recipients will be honored in three ways:
Presented to individuals who consistently demonstrate good character.
Presented to individuals who consistently demonstrate good character.
This award is presented to an educator or administrator who impacts students by using innovative character education practices.
The Jim Hallihan Pursuing Victory with Honor Award is presented to an athletic team or athletic organization that consistently shows good character.
This award is presented to a school or district that who impacts students by using innovative character education practices.
This award is presented to a student organization that consistently shows good character.
Presented to a company or organization that demonstrates good character through their work.
Don’t wait to start your Iowa Character Awards nomination.
Nominations are due May 2, 2023.
Iowa Character Awards have been presented since 2005.
Award Categories
Iowans make up the volunteer award selection committee.
These awards are annually chosen by The Ray Center’s National Advisory Council and team.
© 2022 The Robert D. and Billie Ray Center at Drake University.